Be a "host with the most" this Victoria Day weekend with LCBO's summer
entertaining tips

TORONTO, May 18 /CNW/ - With the season's first "unofficial" long weekend around the corner (May 22-24), LCBO is encouraging everyone to plan ahead, travel safely and celebrate responsibly this summer. Being a "host with the most" is more than throwing a great party, it's also about making sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

Whether you are planning a road trip, going boating or hosting a get-together with family and friends at home or the cottage, there are simple, effective ways to avoid alcohol-related issues and make responsible choices.

"We encourage everyone to drink responsibly over the summer season and to never drink and drive," says LCBO President and CEO Bob Peter. "To take the guesswork out of responsible entertaining, we offer online tools and our store staff can also help hosts plan safe get-togethers."

"Deflate the Elephant", LCBO's latest social responsibility campaign, urges Ontarians to speak up to help prevent someone from drinking and driving. Download responsible hosting tips and checklists for entertaining at www.deflatetheelephant.com. Visitors to the website can also test themselves in an interactive challenge which simulates home entertaining scenarios where the participant must help prevent a friend from impaired driving. Delicious, non-alcoholic mocktails are great for all guests to enjoy and recipes are available at www.lcbo.com/sr.

LCBO retail staff will be vigilant about preventing sales to minors and people who are intoxicated during the busy summer season. Last year, they challenged more than 2.6 million individuals for failing to produce valid ID, appearing intoxicated or attempting to purchase for a minor or an impaired individual. Service was refused to 155,000 individuals, 82 per cent for reasons of age.

LCBO reminds customers to bring a reusable bag and take empty beverage alcohol containers (large and small glass bottles, PET plastic, Tetra Paks, bag-in-box and cans) to The Beer Store for a full deposit refund.

For further information: MEDIA CONTACTS: Steve Erwin, Senior Communications Consultant, Tel. [phone], Cell: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]; Stephanie Petroff, Senior Communications Consultant, Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]