You've chilled the drinks, your home is aglitter with decorations, "Deck the Halls" is playing and your guests arrive with gift bags of wine and other spirits. During the holidays, there's lots of good cheer -- especially at parties where alcohol is being served. If you plan to host a soiree, bear in mind that you could be held liable should one of your guests fail to arrive home safely as a result of being drunk.
Brian Babcock practises civil litigation for the law firm Weiler, Maloney, Nelson, based in Thunder Bay, Ont. He says that while "there are no specific legislated guidelines governing the duties of social hosts," there have been many cases involving alcohol-related incidents that have gone to court. He says under these circumstances, the common law of negligence applies. Also, most provinces adhere to the general occupier's liability act, which imposes on any host an obligation to ensure that guests are safe while at the party and that they arrive home safely. One such case, "Childs vs. Desormeaux will be heard in the near future by our highest court, the Supreme Court of Canada," says Babcock, "which will eventually provide us some much-needed clarification of what the duties of social hosts are, relating to alcohol."
In the meantime, here are some suggestions on how to play it safe and have a fun holiday party.
1. Do not have an open bar. You want to have total control over how much alcohol is being served. Designate a server who will also keep an eye on who may be having a little too much Christmas cheer.
2. Serve lots of food to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
3. Serve non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, eggnog and mocktails. Check out Hot drinks for drivers or visit the LCBO's website for some great mocktail recipes including Vienna Soother, Gentle Breeze and Rainbow Cooler.
4. Establish a "last call" hour when no more alcoholic drinks are served and the coffee and tea becomes the beverage of choice. Remember, though, that coffee and tea does not make you sober.
5. Hosts: Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol. You want to be sharp enough to notice if any of your guests are getting out of line. You may also be needed to step in and drive a few guests home at the end of the evening.
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