HOST Tip Have a plan to deal with any guest who drinks too much. Before the party, ask someone reliable to help you keep things under control.

RESPONSIBLE HOSTING
When you host any type of event where alcohol is being served, you want your guests to enjoy themselves and, once it's over, to get home safely, without endangering themselves or others. Being aware of potential problems and planning ahead can help minimize the risks, keep your entertaining fun and safe, and help you and your guests have a good time.

You may be held responsible for what happens to your guests when they are in your home, on your property or at any function or party you organize, whether it's an intimate dinner, a wedding, a street party or a company event. If you decide to provide alcohol as part of the festivities, whether your event is at home or elsewhere, you may be held responsible for your guests' actions. For instance, you could be sued if a guest starts a fight or falls down the stairs or drives home after drinking and is involved in a crash. And serving someone to the point of intoxication could result in personal responsibility to you for any injury to them or damage caused by them.

As well, when you entertain and are in charge of the premises and who attends, you are responsible for taking steps to protect all your guests from harm, including those who may be impaired or intoxicated. This means ensuring the location is reasonably safe for all guests, protecting them from risk of injury others may pose and ensuring that activities taking place at the event don't pose a risk of injury.

Exercise caution and follow these tips to help keep things safer once the party's started:

BE THE HOST WITH THE MOST. Plan to drink minimally or not at all in order to stay in control. You'll be better able to avoid potential problems if you can think clearly and act quickly. Also, before the party begins, enlist a friend's help if needed should a guest drink too much. If someone is drinking too much, engage them in conversation, offer snacks and a non-alcoholic drink.

PERMIT NEEDED? Permit Needed? You'll need a Special Occasion Permit (SOP) if you are planning to sell or serve beverage alcohol at special occasions such as weddings, charity fundraisers and receptions. You can get them through select LCBO stores throughout Ontario. LCBO staff at SOP-issuing stores will be pleased to assist you in applying for your SOP and planning your beverage alcohol product selection. You don't need a permit to serve alcohol in a private residence, including its attached property (e.g. front - or backyard). Selling beverage alcohol in a private residence is not permitted.

Visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario's (AGCO) Web site at www.agco.on.ca, or call AGCO or the LCBO for further information on SOPs. You can reach the LCBO Infoline toll-free at 1-800-ONT-LCBO (1-800-668-5226) or in Toronto at 416 365-5900, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact AGCO at 1-800-522-2876 (toll-free in Ontario) or in Toronto at 416 326-8700, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by e-mail at licensing@agco.on.ca.

ALCOHOL IS A DRUG. Like other drugs, alcohol produces a wide range of physical and mental effects that vary from one individual to another. Even at low levels, it may affect perception, judgment, coordination and decision-making – long before there are obvious signs of impairment.

DESIGNATE DRIVERS. Before the party gets going, it's important to make sure all your guests have planned for a safe drive home. Know who the designated drivers will be. Then, serve them accordingly – that means no alcohol whatsoever.

TAKE THE FIZZ OUT. If you serve an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base, such as fruit juice. The body absorbs alcohol faster when mixed with carbonation as in mixed drinks with carbonated mixes or sparkling wines.

MEASURING UP. Mix and serve drinks yourself or appoint a trustworthy bartender rather than let guests serve themselves. And, while you're at it, be sure to measure drinks and by all means avoid serving doubles or shots. Don't refill glasses readily. Never let children serve or consume alcohol. For larger gatherings, consider hiring a responsible-service-trained bartender or taking the training yourself. It's also a good idea to locate your bar in another room, so that guests will have to travel to get there.

A DRING IS A DRINK. Despite appearances, a standard serving of beer, wine and spirits each contains an equal amount of absolute alcohol. That means a 12-oz. beer (5% alcohol per volume), a 5-oz. glass of wine (12% alc./vol.) and a 1.5-oz. serving of spirits (40% alc./vol.) are all equal in alcohol content. Use a shot glass to measure drinks. Guessing can lead to excessive consumption.

NO MEANS NO. Never make drinking the focus of your event or force drinks on your guests. If someone says no to a drink, be sure to offer them nonalcoholic alternatives or Mocktails. Also, don't force abstainers to make a public statement by serving alcohol in one type of glass and soft drinks in another. Plan on providing plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests may also appreciate your including low-alcohol beers and wines in your bar.

CHOW DOWN. Alcohol is generally absorbed into the bloodstream faster on an empty stomach, while food in the stomach tends to slow down absorption of alcohol. If you serve alcohol, always have plenty of easily accessible food on hand. If you're not serving a meal, have plenty of high-protein and carbohydrate foods available, such as cheese, meats, unsalted chips, crackers, nuts and pita bread. High-moisture-content foods, such as raw vegetables and fruits, with low-calorie dips are also good choices. Avoid salty and greasy snacks, which tend to make people thirstier.

NO GAMES ALLOWED. Drinking games encourage alcohol being consumed too quickly and could lead to alcohol poisoning, which is potentially fatal. Plan activities for your guests so that drinking isn't the main focus of the party and they'll be less likely to rely on it to loosen up.

A BAD MIX. Never serve alcohol to minors. In Ontario, the legal drinking age is 19 years. Nor should you plan physical activities or sports when you're serving alcohol. People may be more prone to accidents when they've been drinking.

LAST CALL. Never serve guests to the point of intoxication. Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the end of the party. Close down the bar and make the transition by serving enticing desserts and coffee or other non-alcoholic drinks.

HAPPY TRAILS. Be prepared to arrange rides for guests with sober drivers, drive them yourself, let them sleep over or provide taxi fare. Be sure to have taxi numbers ready in advance. Never let anyone who's been drinking get behind the wheel of a vehicle. And it's always a good idea to remind your guests to buckle up.

CHECK IT OUT. Check on your home insurance policy's third-party liability coverage. Contact your insurance provider to help you understand your risks and responsibilities as a host and minimize potential problems. Following the advice your insurer gives can help you ensure a safe and entertaining event for you and your guests.