MI: Safety, moderation urged when alcohol is part of celebrations
The Daily News
December 21, 2022
With holidays coming up soon, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission has a few words of caution for those who plan to include alcohol in their celebrations: Do it in moderation and never drink and drive.
And make sure minor children don’t have access to these Christmas spirits, especially when hosting holiday parties at home.
“Although it can be easy to overestimate your fitness to drive when leaving the bar or party, never drink and drive, as even one drink can impair a person’s judgment,” MLCC Chair Pat Gagliardi said. “If you’re hosting holiday gatherings at home, never allow your underage kids or their friends to drink alcohol. Keep alcohol securely stored without easy access. Let’s keep everyone safe this holiday season.”
For adults who choose to drink alcohol, stick with no more than one “standard” drink a day for women or two for men, in accordance with federal dietary guidelines — and a “standard” drink is less than most people think, according to the MLCC.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines a “drink” as 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, or roughly: a 12-ounce beer, about 5% alcohol; a 5-ounce glass of wine, typically about 12% alcohol; or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (about 40% alcohol.
It’s not just the number of drinks to keep tabs on, the MLCC advises in a news release. It’s important to know the amount/percentage of alcohol by volume — the “ABV” in drinks gives a good idea of how quickly a person can become intoxicated. The higher the content of alcohol, the faster intoxication occurs along with the side effects of alcohol consumption.
The ABV is probably the most important detail on any container of alcohol, as it indicates just how much alcohol is being consumed, according to the MLCC. The ABV of wine is different from that found in vodka, gin and beer.
Container sizes also vary greatly. A 32-ounce beer isn’t “just one beer” and a grande margarita is not “just one drink.”
Some consumer tips from the MLCC for safe holiday celebrations:
— If on medications, consider the potential effects of mixing them with alcohol. The most common medications that can negatively interact with alcohol are blood pressure medications, antibiotics and anti-depressants. Talk with a pharmacist about possible interactions.
— Never binge drink — generally defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in a two-hour period.
— Have a pre-set limit. Remember that no one can force you to have “just one more” — or even one drink.
— Have a plan before leaving the house on how to get home safely. Designate a sober driver to drive you home, arrange for rideshare services by booking an Uber or Lyft through a phone app or call a local taxicab operator.
— If a friend has had too much to drink, take the keys away and make arrangements to get him or her home safely.
— If a driver on the road appears to be intoxicated, call 911 to reach law enforcement.
A note to parents from the MLCC: Don’t risk being “social hosts” by knowingly providing alcohol or unknowingly making alcohol accessible at home to underage children — younger than 21 — and their friends. If alcohol is in the home, keep track of the supply and store it in an inaccessible place.
The MLCC warns that parents and homeowners can be held legally responsible and risk civil and/or criminal liability if underage drinking on their property results in alcohol-related accidents, injuries or deaths.
If your child is invited out to a party, connect with other parents or caregivers to be sure a responsible adult will be present and no alcohol will be available, the MLCC advises.