The PEILCC has some practical advice this spring for high school students on how to keep their prom or grad festivities safe. To discourage under-age drinking and encourage teens to celebrate responsibly, the Commission is passing on the following safe prom tips for students and parents.
“We’re reminding grads not to do anything they’ll regret the next morning - or for the rest of their lives,” said Richard Brown, Minister Responsible for the PEI Liquor Control Commission. “We want students to remember their prom night as one of the best nights of their lives and the tips help show them they don’t need to drink to have fun.”
The prom tips provide students and their parents with helpful advice on celebrating safely, especially where minors are involved. “What will you remember about your prom night?” is a good slogan to remember when planning graduation celebrations this year.
“Preventing sales to minors is a year-round priority the Commission takes very seriously. Our store employees are especially vigilant during prom season, watching for minors attempting to purchase alcohol for end-of-school celebrations,” said Commission CEO Wayne MacDougall. “By providing students and their parents with tips and information on celebrating safely, the Commission hopes to raise awareness about smart choices.”
On behalf of the Minister Responsible, the PEI Liquor Control Commission congratulates all Island students on the completion of another school year and wishes the many graduates a safe and memorable graduation and prom experience.
BACKGROUNDER
P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission (PEILCC)
Prom Tips for Parents
What’s the Plan?
Learn your kids’ plans in advance. Know where they’ll be and with whom. Ensure they’ve thought through how to deal with difficult situations and how they’ll be getting home.
Talk it up.
Talk with other parents and school officials about how to ensure safe activities. Talk with other parents about their kids parties. Their experience could be invaluable.
Snack attack.
If you or your child is hosting a party, provide a variety of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Take stock.
Always know how much alcohol there is in your home; put bottles away after use so you don’t send your kids the message you’ll be going back for numerous refills; and try not to make your liquor cabinet the focus of any given room.
Follow the leader.
Behaviour speaks louder than words. The best way to teach your kids about responsible alcohol use, besides talking, is to set a good example. Set rules about alcohol and ensure your kids know they are not to be broken.
Your responsibility.
Remember, it’s illegal to serve alcohol to those under 19. Make it clear you won’t tolerate underage drinking, excessive drinking by adults, or drinking and driving. If you host a party, you are encouraged to take whatever actions and precautions you feel necessary to promote your guests’ safety. Never hesitate to call the police should things get out of hand.
Watch those numbers.
If there’s going to be a party at your house, consider setting a limit on the number of guests. Some form of adult supervision, or security for larger parties, is a must. Work with other parents, the school or community members to discourage or prevent “bush” parties, which can easily get out of hand.
No alcohol required.
Remember, you don’t need alcohol to have a good time. Not only is it safer without drinking, but it’s also more memorable. Just think, no regrets, humiliation, hangover or loss of self-respect to deal with the next day.
A drink is a drink is a drink.
If you’re 19 or older and choose to drink, remember that a 12 oz. beer (5% alc./vol.), a 5 oz. glass of wine (12% alc./vol.) and one mixed drink with 1.5 oz. of spirits (40% alc./vol) standard serving sizes - all contain more than five percent alcohol. So it’s not safer to stick to beer or coolers.
Drinking Games.
Drinking games are contests or challenges during which a maximum amount of alcohol is consumed in a very short time. The practice is also called binge drinking. Binge drinking can lead to severe intoxication and alcohol poisoning. Drinking games can be deadly!
Be prepared.
Plan how you’ll deal with pushy friends who may pressure you to drink or do something you don’t want to do. Be prepared to say “No” (over and over again if necessary), give a witty response, change the subject or just walk away.
Safety in numbers.
The buddy system is smart when it comes to party-going. Plan to attend parties with one or more reliable friends. Remember what you’ve learned in school about drugs and alcohol, decision-making and refusal skills.
Watch your drink.
Keep an eye on your drink at all times. Never set it down then drink from it later, especially in a public place. You never know who’s slipped something into it.
Plan Ahead.
If you are going to a party, plan how you’re getting home. Never take a ride from someone who’s been drinking, doing drugs or is just plain tired. Call home, a trusted friend or a relative for a ride or take a taxi. If you’re really stuck, spend the night, provided you know and trust the host.
Mission impossible.
Don’t even think about asking someone of legal drinking age to buy alcohol for you. If they’re caught, they could face a fine of up to $1,250.