Before Your Get-Together, Get it Together!

Be a responsible host and lower your risk of liability.

Did you know?

• As the host of a party, you are responsible for injury and damages that occur as a result of the alcohol you provide.
  
• You are responsible for what happens to guests when they are in your home or on your property.
  
• You are responsible for your guests at functions you organize, such as weddings, street parties and company parties.

Protect yourself and your guests. Know your legal responsibility and plan ahead to lower the risk! 

Check out Canada's new Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines.

Follow this checklist whenever you plan a party:

• Food will always be available.
  Eating snacks slows down how much your guests are drinking.  Avoid extra salty, sweet or greasy snacks that can make guests thirsty.
• Alcohol-free drinks will always be available.
  Everyone should have a choice to drink alcohol or not. Check out the great mocktail recipes at the LCBO.
• A plan is in place for making sure guests get home safely.
  Be sure designated drivers are available, take away car keys, call taxis if necessary, and plan for overnight guests.
• Guests will always be served by a responsible bartender.
  An open bar makes it difficult to gauge how much your guests are drinking and encourages guests to drink more. A bartender who is certified with a server intervention program is recommended.
• Alcohol will no longer be served at least one hour before the party ends.
  Serve more alcohol-free drinks and food at this time.
• Alcohol will not be mixed with activities like snowmobiling or skiing.
  Alcohol will increase the risk of someone getting hurt. If your party involves recreational sport, serve drinks only after the activity is complete.
• There will always be a sober and alert person to monitor the party.
  This person will watch for guests that become intoxicated and be able to ensure their safety.

Server intervention training is available.
Servers in restaurants and bars, volunteers in community clubs and home party hosts can all benefit from server intervention training. Programs such as SmartServe educate servers on their responsibilities and obligations that are legally associated with providing alcohol.
Visit www.smartserve.org for more information.