The holiday season gives us many occasions to celebrate with friends and family. You should be aware, however, that if you’re hosting a party, you can be held legally responsible for the safety and sobriety of your guests if damages or injuries occur as a result of the alcohol you provide.

Before you send out your invitations, plan ahead for a fun and safe event for everyone by keeping the following points in mind.

1. A sober host is an alert host. Keep track of what your guests are doing by limiting how much alcohol you drink.
   
   
2. Greet your guests as they arrive. If they’ve already been drinking, ask for their car keys. Check in with them again before they leave.
   
   
3. Be the official bartender, or hire one trained in responsible serving. Offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, and stop serving alcohol an hour before the party ends.
   
   
4. Serve lots of food, but avoid salty, sweet or greasy foods as they tend to make people drink more.
   
   
5. Be prepared to call a cab for someone. Tell the guest that a cab is on its way, and don't give them the option to refuse. Keeping some cash on hand to cover the cost may also keep your guest from resisting the offer.
   
   
6. Keep guests with you until they’re sober. If a cab is not an option for some guests, have a spare bed ready just in case.

How can you tell if your guest has had too much?

If you know your guests well enough, you’ll be able to catch them before they’ve had too much. Everyone reacts to alcohol differently, but typical signs of intoxication include:

• slurring and changes in speech volume or pace
• sleepiness and decreased alertness
• unsteady movements and stumbling
• red eyes, excessive sweating
• noticeably shallow breathing

Remember, you’re responsible for what goes on at your party, and what could happen if your guests leave intoxicated. With this simple plan in place, you can celebrate with peace of mind.