• Talk to them before the party (taking them baked goods never hurts).
• Let them know the hours of your party - especially when the music will be turned down!
• Parties during the week may bother neighbors that work (Thursday is a week night).
• Keep the party indoors with the windows closed to avoid complaints about "that crazy, loud music" (not everybody likes New Kids on the Block as much as you).
• Invite them to come (chances are they won't so don't worry too much)!
• Pick up all outside evidence before you stumble off to bed or the sun rises, whichever comes first.
• Check in with them after the party (take a shower first and don't forget to brush your teeth).

• Minors CANNOT DRINK (serve a minor and you may have to pay the hefty $1000 fine). If alcohol is going to be served, everybody needs to be 21 or over.
• Know your guests. Only invite people you know and trust. That weird guy that nobody knows sleeping on your couch might not be such a good idea, and could be hard to get rid of.
• Keep the size reasonable (200+ people, not so reasonable).
• Don't let anyone leave alone. Special Tip: ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) has a program called TRACE (Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies). The purpose of the program is to investigate accidents or incidents involving alcohol and underage individuals. The person found to have supplied the alcohol to them will be prosecuted. www.abc.ca.gov/programs/trace.pdf
• Lock all rooms you don't want people going into and keep valuables in a safe place - you don't want someone walking away with your favorite 'N Sync CD!
• Don't encourage drinking games - they can get loud and DANGEROUS.

Momma always told you "Safety First"

• Provide non-alcoholic beverages and FOOD during your party (jello shots and breath mints don't count as food) P.S. Foods high in fat and protein are best before and while drinking!
• Know the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and how to get help.

The average cost of a DUI in California is $8,000 - $11,000 including the following:

• 1 year without a drivers's license (under 21)
• 4 months without a driver's license (21 and older)
• $12,000 in fees and fines
• 48 hours jail time
• 3 years probation
• 7 years with 2 points on your driving record
• Up to $1,500 annual auto insurance increase
• 15 weeks of DUI classes (you pay for)
• 2 DUI impact sessions (you pay for)
• Lots of time at the DMV
• Community service (you pay for)

• Responsible Alcohol consumption is drinking no more than one alcoholic beverage per hour.
  • What is considered one drink?
• Alternating non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will make the next morning much easier.
• Drink on a full stomach, and have food available while you drink - who doesn't like chips 'n salsa?
• Avoid letting others handle your drink and never leave it unattended.
• Use your sober designated driver to get home (that doesn't mean the least drunk person). A designated driver should be decided on before anyone starts drinking.
• Drink moderately. Get a good buzz on, then ride it out and enjoy. You'll love it, everybody around you will love it, and most importantly you won't wake up with the dreaded hangover. You also won't be the topic of everybody's morning conversation.

• Answer the door - yeah yeah, it sounds scary but you'll be better off in the long run.
• Do what they tell you, i.e. if they tell you to turn down the music, DO IT! (if you don't they can and will confiscate your stereo, and we all know that going without The Backstreet Boys could be a real tragedy).
• The party's over - if they tell you to end the party - END IT! There are 365 days in the year. We promise there will be more parties!