It’s that time of year again – when employers are putting together parties to celebrate the holidays with their employees.  They are usually big events with food, drink and fun. Everyone wants to have fun, let loose and forget about the day to day work but companies need to remember that they can be held liable if anyone leaves the company unable to drive. Every year, law enforcement agencies receive financial grants to increase road patrols and institute sobriety checkpoints. We know that they will be patrolling the roads in full force during the holiday season and they are on the lookout for impaired drivers, so there is a much bigger risk of being pulled over – they are looking for any traffic infraction.   You are responsible for the safety and well being of your guests. If one of them becomes impaired and leaves then injures himself or another driver, you may be legally responsible and you will need a criminal defense attorney in Ohio to help you.

  • Prepare ahead of time. Cut something out of the party to provide funds for cab rides home, or to hire drivers and let the employees know when they are invited.
  • Stop serving alcohol at a designated time – at least an hour before the ending time of the party.
  • Take keys away from anyone that should not get behind the wheel.
  • Hire a bartender who will know when someone is being over served.
  • Have plenty of food.

The Bottom Line:  Statistics show that the odds of being pulled over for drunk driver dramatically increase between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This is in large part due to the increase in alcohol consumption during the holiday season. Whether you are hosting a company party or a party for your friends and family, it should come as no surprise that police are doubling up this time of year. If you find you or a guest gets pulled over, even after a glass of wine or two, please remember to remain silent and polite.  Don’t answer any questions and incriminate yourself.  As a criminal defense attorney in the Cincinnati area,  I can help immediately.  513-260-2099