Keep holiday celebrations safe

Due to the dangers and liabilities involved, the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. wants to remind homeowners of the dangers of making alcohol the main attraction at holiday parties. PIANY recommends checking homeowners policy for adequate limits. Before hosting the party, call your insurance agent. Have him or her explain what coverages you currently have and what coverages you might need.

When planning a gathering, remember that not everyone will be drinking alcohol. Have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages available.

"Home hosts have a double duty, now more than ever, to be courteous and entertaining but also to be responsible and conscientious about the alcohol they serve. Most important, they must see that intoxicated guests do not get behind the wheel of a car," said PIANY representative J. Carlos "Shawn" Viana. "Holiday tradition is important, but sometimes it puts our safety and that of others at risk. We want people to know there are simple ways to reduce these risks."

If guests become intoxicated, it is the host's duty to oversee their transportation arrangements. If any guest has had too much to drink, take his or her car keys and call a taxi or ask someone who was not drinking to drive the person home. Be careful not to serve alcohol to minors. Under New York state law, an individual may be held liable for unlawfully furnishing or assisting in the procurement of alcohol to minors. PIANY recommends limiting access to the bar if minors are on the guest list.

PIANY recommends several tips to help hosts ensure safety when serving alcohol at holiday parties:

  • Have a responsible bartender. Do not have an open bar.
  • Serve alcoholic drinks only upon request and offer a variety of nonalcoholic beverages such as sparkling water, juice and soft drinks.
  • Avoid making alcohol the main focus of the social event. Create a setting conducive to easy, comfortable socializing. Entertain guest with music, games and dancing. This encourages conversation and social interaction rather than heavy drinking.
  • Always serve food when serving alcohol. High protein foods such as meat and cheese take longer to digest, slowing the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol. However, try not to serve salty foods. They make people thirsty, so they drink more.
  • Cut off access to the bar one to two hours before the end of the party. Serve nonalcoholic beverages and desserts at that time.

December 18, 2005