Before Your Get-Together, Get it Together!
Be a Responsible Host and Lower Your Risk of Liability
Did you know? As host of a party you are responsible for your guests. If any injuries occur as a result of alcohol that you served, you could be held liable. It is up to you to be sure that your guests are safe in your home, your office or wherever you have planned the party. Protect yourself and your guests. Know your legal responsibility and plan ahead to lower the risk! | FactsAccording to the recently released Northern Ontario Child and Youth Report, binge drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion) in youth ages 12 to 18 is much higher in Thunder Bay (63%) compared to the rest of the province (45%). As well, the youth pregnancy rate is also well above the provincial average (519 per 10,000 in Thunder Bay compared to 429 per 10,000 provincially from 1995 to 1999.) NOW would be a good time to talk to your teen about drinking and its unplanned consequences. Get tips and links for more information. |
· As a host you can be held 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, weddings, street parties and company parties
· You are responsible for the safety and behaviour of your guest until they are sober, not just until they leave your party or functions
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 Liquor Control Board of Ontario.
A plan for making sure guests get home safely is in place.
Be sure designated drivers are available, take away car keys and 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 your guests 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 in 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 in Thunder Bay.
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.
Contact Confederation College to find out when their next SmartServe course will run or visit www.smartserve.org for more information.
Helpful Link
The Alcohol Policy Network