Mardi Gras Safety Tips for a party at home or a night out on the town!

Every year, millions of people from all over the world head to New Orleans, LA for Fat Tuesday, the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Known for its delicious Cajun food, colorful beads & ornate costumes, and rowdy parties, Mardi Gras has been a state holiday in Louisiana since 1875. If you are celebrating locally in Marin or beyond, the San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team (SR ACT) wants you to remember to celebrate responsibly! SR ACT will be enforcing DUIs, not just for Fat Tuesday but all year round! The tips below should be kept in mind to have a safe Mardi Gras experience whether it be locally or away.

Mardi Gras Celebration Safety Tips - out on the town

• Prepare for the weather before you head out the door.
• Attend the festivities with other people.
• Stay in well-lit and populated areas.
• In case you get separated from friends, select a meeting place in advance.
• Park your vehicle in a secure location and keep it locked.
• Be sure to note where you park.
• Don't carry large sums of money on your person. When purchasing something, keep your money out of sight.
• No underage drinking - obey the drinking age requirements.
• Do not accept drinks from someone you don't know and do not leave drinks unattended.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself. Eat plenty of food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Keep track of how much you have had to drink.
• Make sure that your ride is sober before letting him/her drive you.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or if possible stay where you are for the night and don’t drive until you are sober.
• Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.
• Always buckle up: It’s still your best defense against other drunk drivers.

Mardi Gras Celebration Safety Tips - at home

• If you plan to stay sober, offer to drive guests home.
• Check with all of your guests to ensure they designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Serve food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is considering driving drunk.

Things to keep in mind when hosting a party

• You can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
• If an underage person drinks and drives, the parent may be legally liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
• Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to – or host a party where alcohol is available to – those under the age of 21, could be cited with the Social Host Ordinance. 

Learn more about the Social Host Ordinance

 English - http://www.scribd.com/doc/180037937/FINAL-ACT-palm-card-pdf

 Spanish - http://www.scribd.com/doc/189075792/ACT-Palm-Card-en-Espanol-in-Spanish