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Food Editor Release

 

 

HERES ONE FOR THE ROAD – USE A DESIGNATED SOBER DRIVER
Holiday Hosts Encouraged to Serve up a Safe Ride Home

Sacramento, Calif. — You’ve sent out invitations and prepared an array of delectable hors d'oeuvres. Or maybe you’re hosting a company party at one of California’s fine dining establishments. The decorations and twinkle lights are ready to go and the holiday music is queued. You’ve ordered a fine selection of red and white wines, great cocktail mixers and the champagne and beer is already on ice. The planning for your company party or holiday family gathering is almost complete. But what will you offer the most important guests of all – the designated drivers?

As part of the national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Restaurant Association (CRA) want to remind Californians to give some careful thought and planning to meeting the needs of designated drivers as they plan for upcoming holiday parties.

“CRA encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities at company parties and family gatherings in California’s restaurants and bars over the holidays, but to do so responsibly,” said Jot Condie, CRA President and CEO. “The CRA, OTS and CHP have worked together for years to keep our roads safe during the holidays.”

Last year, 1,597 people were killed in alcohol related crashes, compared to 1,574 in 2005 – an increase of less than one percent. Injuries were up slightly at 31,099 in 2006 from 30,810 in 2005. To help reduce the number of alcohol involved collisions and remove offenders from the state’s roadways, more than 450 law enforcement agencies will conduct a concentration of sobriety checkpoints statewide beginning December 15 and running through December 31.

“California is committed to using sobriety checkpoints as deterrents to preventing impaired driving,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “But the best deterrent of all is using a non-drinking driver to get everyone home safely. And if you do see a drunk driver, call 911.”

The OTS, CHP and CRA suggest the following tips for conducting safe and fun holiday celebrations:

• Never serve alcohol to guests under 21.
• Have a special bar established for designated non-drinking drivers where guests can create their own alcohol-free drinks. Stock it with non-alcoholic mixers, including a variety of fruit juices, lemon-lime, club soda and alcohol-free ciders. Keep plenty of fun garnishes on hand, too (like maraschino cherries, fresh sprigs of mint, whipped cream, candy canes and cinnamon sticks). Don't forget the festive stemware with sugar-flavored rims!
• Create your own "signature" non-alcoholic drinks or look for recipes online.  Exotic fruit juices are the perfect place to start.  Visit www.ots.ca.gov for non-alcoholic drink recipes.
• Have a contest to see who can make the best non-alcoholic drink, with your guests as judges. Award the winner with a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne.
• Go out of your way to praise and "check-up" on designated non-drinking drivers.  Thank them throughout the night for helping to keep your other guests safe.
• Serve plenty of great hors d'oeuvres or try a festive sorbet served in a martini glass.  With so many fabulous treats to taste, guests won't be tempted to head straight for the bar.
• Plan activities to keep guests entertained.  Great music, dancing, caroling or gift exchanges will make spirits bright, even without alcohol.
• Do not have an "open bar."  Hire a professional bartender or have a trusted friend act as bartender and pour appropriately.
• Close the bar at least an hour before the party ends and serve a great dessert treat along with coffee, tea and soft drinks.
• If you are planning a company party, consider arranging for discounted or complimentary rooms at a hotel within walking distance so employees won’t have to drive home impaired.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Attached are sample non-alcoholic beverage recipes to include in holiday articles.  Additional non-alcoholic drink recipes can be found at www.ots.ca.gov.