Businesses encouraged to ‘party smart’ this festive season

November 26, 2014

Businesses encouraged to ‘party smart’ this festive season

Horizons Regional Council’s road safety team is encouraging organisations to lead by example this festive season by providing non-alcoholic beverages and arranging a safe way home from end of year functions.

The team has been walking the talk within their own organisation, hosting lunchtime ‘mocktail’ events for Horizons staff with recipes and advice to help ensure safer roads.

Horizons road safety coordinator Desley Monks says businesses and organisations have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for their staff and this approach should be extended to work-related events and functions.

“If you’re organising an end of year event or any event where alcohol will be served it’s important to provide plenty of substantial food and non-alcoholic drinks and have a plan to help people get home safely.

“The host sets the tone for any get-together and setting clear expectations with your staff prior to the event can make sure everyone has a good time.

“There are so many different options when it comes to Christmas parties, perhaps your workplace could consider an activity that doesn’t involve alcohol or look at reducing the amount you serve.”

Mrs Monks says messages around host responsibility are particularly relevant this year with the drink drive limit reducing from 80 to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for drivers over 20 from December 1. The zero tolerance remains in place for drivers under 20 years of age.

“While some people may still be able to have a beer or two without being over the limit, this is not necessarily true of all drivers and people do need to take care. If you’re planning to drink, plan ahead and arrange another way home or a place to stay. Why take the risk?” she says.

More information about host responsibility is available from the Health Promotion Agency website www.alcohol.org.nz or by contacting a member of Horizons’ road safety team on toll free number 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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