As you may know, it can be hard to say no to a lot of things. You might have grown up learning that you can only be successful and well-liked if you agree to do what is asked of you, even if you feel pressured into doing something you find morally or legally wrong. However, you and other Connecticut residents can get into trouble if you don’t learn to say no to some things, especially when it comes to alcohol.
You’ve decided to host a party for your work associates, and alcohol is on the menu. While this doesn’t necessarily mean trouble, the night can turn sour if you allow your guests to drive away intoxicated or serve alcohol to co-workers you know aren’t yet 21. If one of your guests got into a drunk driving accident or authorities were called and found out you were serving alcohol to minors, you could be held responsible. Even so, it can be hard to stand your ground and take the keys from intoxicated guests or insist your younger co-workers stick to soda. Psych Central recommends the following ways to say no:
Explain your rules at the beginning of the party.
Recruit a friend to help you stay assertive and enforce the rules.
Keep your answer simple and to the point – no alcohol for minors, and you will call an Uber or arrange a sober ride home for drunk guests.
Suggest a compromise – guests may drink as much as they want but you will have a cutoff time a couple hours before the party’s end, and you can provide mixed virgin drinks for minors.
Most reasonable people will understand your reasons for sticking to the rules. When you refuse to be a doormat, others may respect you more and you stand a better chance of avoiding social host liability charges.
