Alcohol Safety
By Andy Gillentine

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The beginning of the football season also serves as the symbolic beginning to tailgating season. As coaches study ways to improve the performance of their team on the field, tailgaters are also planning for the season ahead. From the food to be served to the decorations to be used, tailgaters across the country will be searching for ways to enhance their tailgate get-togethers. One of the important areas that many tailgaters overlook is the responsibility of the tailgate host for the safety of those attending the tailgate. A responsible tailgate host not only wants to have a great tailgate party that everyone enjoys but to also make sure everyone gets to the game and home safely. One key ingredient at many tailgating get-togethers that can compromise the safety of the gathering is the consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol consumption and sporting events have a longstanding relationship. From the colonial period of US history when people would gather on their horses, buggies and wagons at the horse races held at taverns located outside of the towns and cities, to the current massive gatherings in the areas surrounding our stadiums and arenas, alcohol has played a recognized role in event attendance and tailgating. Despite the acceptance of this relationship, it is still the responsibility of the tailgate host to ensure the safety of those in attendance. Tailgate hosts need to be aware of the potential problems associated with the consumption of alcohol at tailgating parties and prepare a plan to minimize the likelihood of their occurrence.

Problems associated with alcohol consumption at tailgating events typically include public drunkenness, disorderly behavior, underage drinking and illegal possession of alcohol. Many municipalities have also reported destruction of personal and public property that has resulted in losses in the tens of thousands of dollars. Alarmingly, several reported deaths and serious personal injuries have also been related to drinking at tailgating parties. Additional concern must also be given to the likelihood of drinking and driving that may result from attendance at a tailgating party. In order to protect him/herself as well as those in attendance at a tailgating event, it is imperative for a tailgate host to recognize their responsibilities in hosting a tailgating event.

From a legal standpoint a tailgate party host has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for all in attendance. This concept is referred to as social host liability and it expands the legal responsibility for the consumption of alcohol beyond the person who consumes it to those who furnished the alcohol. An intoxicated tailgate guest (as defined by state ordinance) remains liable to anyone who may be injured as a result of their actions, but now shares that liability with the tailgate host. While the extent of social host liability varies from state to state (check your state laws), it is reasonable to believe that social hosts may also be liable for any injuries suffered by intoxicated tailgate guests. A general definition of a social host is one who a) has no special relationship with guests (i.e. employer), b) serves alcohol as an act of hospitality and not for monetary gain and c) condones the consumption of alcohol on property (or site) under the control of the host.

The hosting of an environment (such as a tailgater party) in which unsupervised alcohol consumption is allowed, tolerated and/or encouraged, may place the tailgate host in violation of social host expectations. The expectation of the social host may be extended from the serving of alcohol to also include providing an environment for the consumption of alcohol. Through this interpretation, tailgaters must develop and implement specific "game plans" regarding the consumption of alcohol at their tailgate events and activities in order to demonstrate appropriate levels of control.

An alcohol management game plan could minimize the social host liability in case of accidents or injuries incurred or inflicted by tailgate participants. The development of this game plan simply requires that the tailgate host diligently strive to minimize the potential problems that may be associated with the consumption of alcohol. A good starting point for the development of an alcohol management game plan would be to consider including the following recommendations:

Remain in Control

It is important that the tailgate host serves as the example for everyone in attendance at the tailgate. Carefully monitor your own alcohol consumption so you can responsibly monitor the behavior (and consumption) of others.

Offer Non-Alcoholic Options

Never force drinks on guests by not having a variety of non-alcoholic options (i.e. a variety of soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee, non-alcoholic beer). Always plan on having large quantities of bottled water available for everyone.

Serve Food

Alcohol will be absorbed faster on an empty stomach, so it is important to have food available. The food chosen should be high protein and high carbohydrate food (cheese, meats, unsalted nuts, low sodium or unsalted chips). Raw vegetables and low-calorie dips and spreads are also a good choices. Avoid salty and greasy foods that encourage people to drink more.

No Drinking Games

Never sponsor, organize or allow activities that promote excessive or rapid alcohol consumption (i.e. Beer Pong, etc.). Provide activities that keep alcohol consumption from being the focus of the tailgate party (i.e. music, cooking, bean-bag toss games, Frisbee, etc).

No Kegs

An important component of an effective alcohol management game plan is being able to monitor and/or control the consumption of alcohol by guests. Serving beer from a keg makes this extremely difficult and often encourages guests to constantly refill their glasses. Encourage moderate consumption by determining in advance how many people will attend your event and only provide a specific amount of alcohol for guests.

Always Measure

Always use a jigger to measure alcohol if serving mixed drinks. It is better to mix them yourself (or someone designated by you) than have guests serve themselves. Guessing on the amount served leads to excessive consumption. Avoid serving doubles or shots. Always know the amount of alcohol in each drink you serve at your tailgate (1 - 12 ounce beer = 1 - 4 ounce glass of wine = 1 ounce of 86 proof alcohol)

Carbonated Mixers

Minimize the use of carbonated mixers as carbonation speeds up the absorption of alcohol.

Stop!

Stop serving alcohol before the tailgate ends and guests depart for the game or home.

None for the Road Do not serve tailgate guests "One for the Road" as they leave the tailgate.

Enough is Enough

Never serve additional alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated. Be prepared to call police or security if a tailgate guest becomes belligerent or their behavior gets out of control.

Cab Call

Make sure guests who have been drinking have rides with sober drivers. Never let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel. Be prepared to call a cab for intoxicated guests or drive them yourself if necessary. Identify your potential designated drivers in advance.

Watch Your Guest List

Guests who have a history (or habit) of excessive alcohol consumption often bring trouble with them. It is fair to exclude them from the party unless they (or you) can control their consumption and behavior. If strangers arrive with invited guests and demonstrate a lack of control, ask them to leave. Don't let one or two ruin the fun for everyone.

Know the Laws

Make sure you are familiar with state and local laws regarding the consumption of alcohol. Also fully understand all university policies and regulations regarding alcohol and tailgating policies.

Provide a Safe Environment Always make sure your tailgate site is free of potential hazards (i.e. broken glass, electrical cords, low hanging objects, large holes/ditches, etc.). A pre-tailgate site inspection is time well spent.

NEVER SERVE MINORS

Never allow alcohol to be served to minors. Being in college does not erase your responsibility if you are caught allowing alcohol to be consumed by minors.

Tailgating at an athletic event is a great way to enjoy friends, family, food and drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). With a little pre-tailgate game planning, you can provide your guests with a safe environment that will enhance the tailgating experience. The implementation of an alcohol management game plan will not only protect you from potentially libelous situations, it will provide personal safety features to your guests, family and community.

 

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Of Tailgater Monthly Magazine