Responsible Summer Entertaining Tips from LCBO

TORONTO, May 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Many Ontarians will be kicking off the unofficial start of summer this Victoria Day weekend. LCBO's "Deflate the Elephant" education campaign offers tips, tools and solutions to help you be a responsible host, make entertaining less stressful and help prevent drinking and driving.

"LCBO offers a variety of responsible hosting tools online and our store staff are happy to help you plan safe and enjoyable get-togethers," says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. "We encourage everyone to plan ahead, travel safely and to never drink and drive or boat."

To help ensure your get-together is memorable for the right reasons:

• Don't plan physical activities when you're serving alcohol. People are more prone to accidents and injury when drinking.
• Provide low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks for all guests, such as Mocktails, non-alcoholic punch, pop, water, tea and coffee.
• Have food available to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Avoid serving salty, sweet or greasy snack foods. High-starch and protein foods such as meats, veggies, cheeses, dips and breads are good choices.
• Promote the use of designated drivers and keep cash and phone numbers on hand for taxis. Be prepared for overnight guests.

Find more hosting tips at www.deflatetheelephant.com/host_with_the_most.html. The www.deflatetheelephant.com website offers refreshing, alcohol-free Mocktail recipes and the opportunity to hone your bartending skills and master the perfect pour by taking the "Home Bartending Challenge".

Visit the "Deflate the Elephant" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/deflatetheelephant) to join the conversation about responsible entertaining by sharing your top hosting tips and ways you help prevent drinking and driving.

Last year, LCBO retail staff challenged more than 7.8 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 more than 322,000 individuals, 84 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 Pak cartons, bag-in-box and cans) to The Beer Store for a full deposit refund.

For LCBO news updates, follow us on Twitter @LCBONEWS.

SOURCE: LCBO

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