The PEI Liquor Control Commission has some practical advice this spring for high school students on how to keep their “prom” or “grad” festivities safe. In an effort to assist parents and students with their preparations, the PEI Liquor Commission is passing along safe prom tips for parents and students in hopes to discourage underage drinking by encouraging teens to celebrate responsibly.
“It’s an exciting time of year for our graduating Island students and, as parents, we always want to ensure that we can provide the safest environment possible,” said Mike Currie, Minister of Development & Technology. “The lists of tips for both parents and students are guides to follow to prepare for a safe grad week.”
The 10 prom tips for parents include:
1. What’s the plan?
Learn your kids’ plans in advance. Know where they will be and with whom.
2. No liquid limos
If your child plans to hire a limo with friends, make sure the company doesn’t allow drinking in the car.
3. Talk it up
Talk with other parents and school officials about how to ensure prom activities are safe.
4. Action
If you are planning a grad party, help your kids choose a theme and organize alcohol-free activities to keep guests busy.
5. Snack attack
At any party, provide snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
6. Take stock
Always know how much alcohol there is in your home.
7. Follow the leader
The best way to teach your kids about responsible alcohol use is to set a good example.
8. Your responsibility
Make it clear you don’t tolerate underage drinking or drinking and driving. If you host a party, you are responsible for your guests. If they are hurt, you could be held liable.
9. Watch those numbers
In order to keep parties manageable, consider setting a reasonable limit on the number of guests.
10. Plan ahead
Plan in advance with your teenagers what to do should drug use take place. Also have a plan in place in the event someone gets sick or intoxicated.
The 10 prom tips for students include:
1. No alcohol required
Remember, you don’t need alcohol to have a good time.
2. A drink is a drink is a drink
For those 19 or older, if you have five or more drinks in one sitting, you’re binge drinking, which can lead to alcohol poisoning and can be fatal.
3. Leader of the pack
Be a trendsetter – convince your friends that not drinking is the more attractive choice.
4. Be prepared
Plan how you’ll deal with anyone who pressures you to drink or do something you don’t want to do. Be prepared to say “no.”
5. Safety in numbers
The buddy system is smart when it comes to party-going. Plan to attend parties with one or more reliable friend.
6. Watch that cup
Keep an eye on your drink at all times. Never set it down then drink from it later.
7. Let’s get this party started
But only after you know how you will be getting home safely. Never drink and drive yourself, and be sure to never ride with someone who has been drinking.
8. Mission impossible
Don’t even think about asking someone of legal drinking age to buy alcohol for you. They could face a fine of up to $1,250.
9. You’re the boss
Let guests know about your party grounds rules ahead of time. When you host a party, if someone gets impaired, leaves and gets hurt or hurts someone else, you could be held liable.
10. Emergency measures
Keep emergency numbers handy and never hesitate to call police should things get out of hand.
“Through responsible planning and proper preparation, Island students and parents can look forward to a week of memorable and fun activities,” said Minister Currie. “I invite all parents and students of this year’s graduating class to take a moment and review the list of tips.”
Preventing sales to minors is a year-round priority the PEI Liquor Control Commission takes very seriously. The store staff is especially vigilant during prom season, watching for minors attempting to purchase alcohol and for legal aged persons buying for minors, both of which are illegal.
For a more detailed copy of one of the above lists, please contact, Wayne MacDougall at (902) 368-5720 or by email at wamacdougall@gov.pe.ca.