Guard against over-drinking

As a community organizer focused on building a safe and healthy community, I was disappointed to read Jim Kershner’s column entitled “Beer-tasting party taps into holiday spirit” (Dec. 16). His statement that “A Christmas ale-tasting party is quite possibly the most brilliant holiday party idea ever” glamorizes alcohol and portrays the holidays as a time for excessive drinking. It’s up to all of us to be socially responsible. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) gives these reminders:

Coffee will not sober up your guests. Only time can make someone sober.

Beer and wine are equally as intoxicating as hard liquor. A 12-ounce can of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler and an ounce and a half of liquor contain the same amount of alcohol.

Don’t rely on someone’s physical appearance to determine if he or she has had too much to drink.

Mixers won’t help dilute alcohol. Carbonated mixers like club soda or tonic water cause alcohol to be absorbed into a person’s system more quickly. Fruit juice and other sweet mixers mask the taste of alcohol and may cause people to drink more.

Our community coalition wishes everyone a merry and safe holiday season.

Tracey Osso

Drug Free Communities coordinator

Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council

Spokane Valley