Plan to drink responsibly over the holidays

News Release
LCBO

* Plan ahead! Before a get-together with family or friends, make sure you have a plan for getting to and home from the party safely. Take turns being the designated driver, arrange for a sober driver to pick you up, make sure everyone has money for cabs or public transit, or make up your spare room or couch for unexpected overnight guests.
* Just say no. Politely, but firmly, tell them you cannot let them drive home because you care. The first time you do this will be the toughest, but your actions could save your family members’ or friends’ life or that of an innocent victim.
* Call a cab. Make sure you have cash on hand and telephone numbers so you can call a cab. You may want to pay the fare in advance for a friend. That’s one way to show you really care.
* Take the wheel. If you’re having a party and one of your friends has had too much to drink and should not drive, offer to drive him or her home. To be sure your friend arrives home safely, you can drive him or her yourself, if you haven’t also been drinking.
* Sleepover time. Have your friend or guest sleep over. This way you won’t have to drive and your guest or friend won’t have to return the next day for the car.
* Parking plan. If you’re having a party at your house and parking is limited, arrange for a few overnight parking spots - either with your neighbours, or in a nearby lot that’s secure.
* Gotcha! Hide something of theirs they can’t leave without - like their shoes.
* Reach out and touch someone. If they have a cell phone, ask them who’s on their speed-dial that they can call for a ride.
* Take the keys away.

To view these holiday tips and great recipes online, go to www.lcbo.com and click on the “Entertaining” icon.