Step1
When sending out your invitations, make sure that all guests know that there will be ground rules to follow about alcohol. Since people sometimes feel pressured to drink at family or work get-togethers, you may also want to solicit volunteers for designated drivers for the evening. You will be amazed at the number of volunteers that you get.
Step2
"Control" every guest's access to the alcohol. You may even want to consider hiring an "impartial" bartender--if possible, a professional who won't be swayed by the pleadings of someone who will want more alcohol. Since the affects of alcohol are progressive, a professional server is also much more likely to recognize when a consumer is still just a "hazard." This will also free you from the responsibility of keeping an eye on the alcohol.
Step3
Make sure you understand your state’s liquor laws as it relates to alcohol and minors. In some states it is legal for a parent, guardian or legal-aged spouse to give alcohol to a minor or their spouse. It is never legal for you to serve them directly; the parent, guardian or spouse must do so. It is important to note as well that as the host or hostess of an event where alcohol is served, you do not have to allow minors to receive alcohol at all.
Step4
Try offering non-alcoholic beer options as drink option. Guess what; some people just like the taste of beer and the taste quality of non-alcoholic beers have improved greatly over the years. Try your hand at creating a “special punch” to commemorate the occasion of the party. Something flavorful and quenching will get everyone to try and if they like it, they just might stick with it.
Step5
Try not to let guests to walk around with a drink in both hands. This can especially lead to competitive drinking among family members and co-workers. Watch carefully to see if people begin to move away from sipping a beer to “let’s do a shot together.” The first signs of intoxication are mental levels of impairment and lowered inhibitions, which lead to poor judgment.
Step6
The serving of, and eating of food while consuming alcohol is always encouraged because eating while consuming alcohol slows down the absorption of alcohol into a person's system. However, in addition to just having a variety of food available, try also having a period of time where during food service, that alcohol is not available to give people a chance to process alcohol out of their system. Since time is the only thing that can eliminate alcohol from a person's system, the more time between drinks the better.
Step7
Planning entertainment that encourages participation is also a great way to slow down alcohol consumption. Even if someone doesn't participate, they generally will want to watch the activity. Watching will slow down everyone's drinking. The bar can also be shut down during this activity, as well.
Step8
Consider stopping serving alcohol altogether at least an hour before the party ends. If it's a workplace get-together, this can be the time when the owner makes some year presentations or bonus awards. Or, the owner could give a year-end thank you speech, if appropriate. This would be a good time to begin calling cabs for anyone who might need one. Remember to announce at the beginning of the event that cab service will be available. This way, people will not feel singled out at the end of the night. Don't let people discourage you from offering cab service arguing that it in some way encourages "over-consumption." It's a fact that people do sometimes drink more than they should or plan to. They shouldn't have to feel embarrassed about asking for help to get home safely.
Enthusiast 
