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. To discourage underage 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 Greg Deighan, Minister Responsible for the PEI Liquor Control Commission. "We want students to remember their prom night as one of the best 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. The "What Will You Remember About Your Prom Night" idea is a good slogan to remember when planning graduation celebrations this year. As a guideline for parents and students, the "10 Tips for Students" and "10 Tips for Parents" shown below provide sensible guidelines to ensure that everyone has a memorable, safe and fun prom night.
"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."
In 2001-2002, Commission staff challenged more than 19,000 individuals and refused service to over 361 for failing to produce valid proof of age or appearing to be intoxicated.
10 PROM TIPS FOR STUDENTS
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. If you have five or more drinks in one sitting, you're binge drinking, which can lead to alcohol poisoning and can be fatal.
Leader of the pack.
Plan to do something that doesn't involve drinking. Be a trendsetter - convince your friends that not drinking at parties is the more attractive choice - in every way. Drop the names of sports stars, rock stars or celebrities you've heard choose not to drink. Put your creativity to work to come up with activities and themes for parties. Consider karaoke, costumes, games, prizes, contests, great music and dancing.
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" (over and over again if necessary), give a witty response, change the subject or just walk away. Practice with someone you trust or in a mirror.
Safety in numbers.
The buddy system is smart when it comes to party-going. Plan to attend parties with one or more reliable friend. Review with them what you learned in school about drugs and alcohol, decision-making and refusal skills.
Watch that cup.
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. If someone's added a dangerous drug to your drink and you consume it, the consequences can be deadly.
Let's get this party started.
But only after you know how you will be getting home safely. Beyond never drinking and driving yourself, be sure never to ride with someone who's been drinking, doing drugs or just plain tired. Call home, a trusted friend or relative for a ride, share a limo, take a taxi, the bus, or walk with friends. If you're really stuck, spend the night, provided you know and trust the host, rather than ride with someone who's impaired.
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.
You're the boss.
Let guests know about your party ground 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.
Emergency measures.
Keep emergency numbers handy-just in case. Never hesitate to call the police should things get out of hand. If someone gets drunk and passes out, they could be suffering from alcohol poisoning. Call an ambulance immediately, and turn them onto their side, with their head on its side as well, to prevent choking if they vomit. Never leave them alone to sleep it off.
10 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 though through how to deal with difficult situations, what kind of security there will be at big parties and how they'll be getting home. Offer to role-play if it helps them better prepare.
No liquid limos.
If your child plans to hire a limo with friends, make sure the company doesn't allow drinking in the car.
Talk it up.
Talk with other parents and school officials about how to ensure prom activities are safe. If you're hosting a party, consult other parents about their teenagers' parties. Their experience may be invaluable.
Action!
If you are planning a grad party, help your kids choose a theme and organize alcohol-free activities, such as dancing, games and contests to keep guests busy.
Snack attack.
At any party, provide substantial 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're responsible for your guests' behaviour until they're sober, even after they leave your party. If they are involved in a crash or hurt someone, you could be held liable. You may want to check on your home insurance policy to be sure your liability coverages is sufficient. Never hesitate to call the police should things get out of hand.
Watch those numbers.
In order to keep parties manageable, consider setting a reasonable 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.
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. Be prepared to ensure guests get home safely.