‘Tis the season of dinner parties, office gatherings, and holiday festivities! While it is important to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family, BC Liquor Stores throughout the province have an important message for British Columbians: Good hosts don’t let guests drink and drive.

Responsible Hosting is the theme of this month’s BC Liquor Stores social responsibility campaign, reminding party planners that you are responsible for making sure your guests do not overconsume liquor or drive under the influence. A few tips for helping everyone stay safe include: asking your guests to turn in their keys when they arrive; serving snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; enlisting help to keep things under control; providing a place for guests to stay overnight; and having a plan for those who are going home – designated drivers, access to taxis, and public transit information.

For British Columbians that live in areas with limited access to taxi service or public transit, designated drivers and Operation Red Nose are a crucial part of planning in the holiday party equation. Winter driving conditions already provide a signficant challenge for drivers; adding alcohol impairment just compounds the dangers. Operating a motor vehicle while affected by alcohol or any other drug can result in criminal code charges, monetary fines and/or an immediate roadside prohibition. Worse, it may cause serious injury or death.

The campaign, now on display in BC Liquor Stores, consists of posters, checkout danglers, door signage, and counter decals. As you head into the holiday party season, let this message carry through: protect yourself and your guests by hosting a fun yet safe party that ends with everyone returning home safely.

(flickr.com)

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch –

“Holiday parties can be some of the happiest times of the year. Make your party memorable for all the right reasons – fun, friends, ugly sweaters, and not for a preventable tragedy on the road. Being a responsible host means making sure your guests don’t overconsume while they are with you and have a safe way to get home once they’ve left. Taxis, designated drivers, transit, or even a spot to sleep are far better options than letting friends drink and drive.”

Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General –

“While we’ve seen a decrease in alcohol-affected fatalities on B.C. roads, there are still too many people who lose their lives in completely preventable tragedies. If you’re hosting a party, do your part to ensure that everyone gets home safe. Have a plan for your guests who may not have thought to have one for themselves.  Let’s keep each other safe and get everyone back home to their loved ones this holiday season.”

Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, Liquor Distribution Branch –

“BC Liquor Stores takes social responsibility seriously and we want to remind everyone to be a responsible host this holiday season. This means ensuring your guests don’t drink and drive. Be a good host by thinking about how your guests will get home after the party. Everyone can still have fun and also get home safely if you help them plan ahead.”

Quick Facts

• In 2015, 69 British Columbians were killed in crashes where alcohol and/or drugs played a contributing factor.
• B.C. has some of the toughest drinking-driving laws in Canada. Penalties include:
  • Driving suspensions ranging from 24 hours to 90 days
  • Criminal code convictions and possible jail time
  • Vehicle impoundment
  • Fines, ranging from $600 to $4,060 for a single offence
  • Mandatory remedial programs, including education programs and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle

Learn More:

For more information about impaired driving: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/road-safety-rules-and-consequences/drug-alcohol