06 December 2019

Whanganui DHB’s Chester Penaflor says a party people can clearly remember is a good party.

Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) is calling on Christmas party hosts to make sure end-of-year functions are remembered for all the right reasons, by providing safe environments for party-goers.

WDHB alcohol and other drugs health promotion officer Chester Penaflor says responsible hosting is particularly important when alcohol is being supplied and consumed.

“We want party-goers to have a good time, so we encourage hosts to consider the safety and wellbeing of their guests and themselves when celebrating in the lead-up to Christmas.”

Mr Penaflor is keen to share ideas that help ensure staff and client functions run smoothly and are remembered by guests and organisers. He suggests:

• Provide non-alcoholic drink choices so people don’t feel obliged to drink alcohol.
• Provide substantial finger food (such as savouries and sandwiches) to slow down the effects of intoxication (light snacks such as chippies and peanuts aren’t as effective).
• Organise somebody to pour drinks where possible (people can be heavy-handed when pouring their own drinks, and having a responsible person working the bar or in control of serving alcohol can also reduce consumption).
• Have plenty of activities such as dancing and games to help take the focus off drinking.
• Organise a designated sober driver to take people home, or encourage people to take a taxi to and from the party.

Mr Penaflor says driving considerations are especially important for party-goers. The breath alcohol limit for driving is now 250 mcg for those over 20 years of age, which is a significantly lower limit than in the past – a point people can sometimes forget.

“There really is no 'safe' amount of alcohol to drink before driving, as alcohol affects each person differently. It’s just not worth the risk,” Mr Penaflor says.

He also urges caution when providing alcohol to people under 18 who are attending a party, whether it’s at a private dwelling or workplace. By law, providing alcohol to someone under 18 requires the supplier to get consent from that person’s parent or legal guardian.

Mr Penaflor says a party people can clearly remember is a good party.

“Following these suggestions when planning Christmas parties will help ensure everyone involved can enjoy themselves, stay safe – and remember the night before.”

Further information and guides for planning functions are available at:

https://www.alcohol.org.nz/help-advice/ease-up-on-the-drink/tips-for-hosts