Safe Parties

Responsible Hosting

In Canada the host of a party is just as responsible for the safety and behaviour of guests as the owner of a bar. This applies to hosts of weddings, office parties, golf tournaments, street parties, and house parties.

The pamphlet Being Sued Can Ruin a Good Party is available through MADD Canada to help make people more aware of the law. You can be held legally and financially responsible for the actions of an intoxicated guest.

The Party Pact is a two part health promotion initiative designed to help start conversations between parents and kids - (particularly teenagers) about drinking, substance use, house rules and parental expectations about safe, well-planned parties in the family home.

What you can do:

• provide food
• don't make drinking the focus
• save the alcohol for after the sports
• arrange transportation for people who have been drinking, or arrange for them to sleep over
• make sure there are no hazards which could put your guests at risk

Serve Alcohol Sensibly:

• encourage non-alcoholic or low alcohol content drinks
  
• serve your guests rather than having an open bar
  
• stop serving alcohol long before you expect the party to break up
  

Avoid Problems:

• keep an eye on your guests' behaviour, talk to them if they are getting drunk
  
• do not have drinking contests
  
• do not serve people who are already drunk
  
• hire staff who have had the Smart Serve training
• know the liquor laws and obey them
  
• obtain information on liquor license requirements Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
  
• know the rules at your party location - there may be an alcohol risk management policy