Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Recognizes Upcoming Holiday Season

Urges Responsible Consumption during Celebrations

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Pennsylvanians prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board today recognized the importance of the upcoming holiday season and reminded those over 21 to know their limits and consume alcohol in moderation.

"With the holiday season upon us, we want to extend our sincere wish for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving to all Pennsylvanians," said Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Chairman Joseph E. Brion. 

"Holidays are such a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, while remembering those making sacrifices on our behalf each and every day," said Brion.  "It is our hope, that everyone will take a few moments throughout the holidays and every day to pay honor and respect to our men and women in uniform, especially military personnel serving here and abroad who may not be home to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal," said Brion. 

"We owe each of these true American heroes, dedicated to serving and protecting, and sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, the highest level of thanks and gratitude for our freedom and for their continued service." 

While many will take this time to focus on family and friends, too often these gatherings have tragic, life-altering outcomes when people fail to consume alcohol legally and within their limits; something that could be easily avoided."

Widely known for being one of the most popular consumption days of the year, the day before Thanksgiving can draw large crowds to bars and restaurants across the commonwealth.  

"Those over the age of 21, choosing to consume on this or any day of the year, should be aware of what they're consuming and how much alcohol each drink contains," Liquor Control Board Member Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton III said.  "We cannot possibly stress enough that drinking responsibly saves lives.  Parents need to remain especially vigilant as well to ensure they are working to prevent the dangers of underage binge and problematic drinking. "

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the holiday season:

• Two to three times more people die in alcohol related crashes; and
• 40 percent of traffic fatalities involve a driver who is impaired by alcohol.

"If you're hosting a holiday party, please do so responsibly," Liquor Control Board Member Robert Marcus said. "The statistics speak for themselves, and really call on all of us to be more aware of our actions and of those celebrating with us."

Pennsylvanians can practice responsible consumption by:

• Alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks or water to remain hydrated;
• Eating something before drinking to help slow the absorption of the alcohol;
• Never leaving a drink unattended; and
• Always designating a driver who agrees to abstain from alcohol for the evening.

Media contact:  Stacey Witalec or Stacy Kriedeman, 717-783-8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board