What is a harm minimisation strategy for events or parties?

• A. Forbid all alcohol at events.
• B. Provide only one non-alcoholic option and no other support.
• C. Provide non-alcoholic options, ensure water access, check IDs, arrange safe transport, and monitor for excessive drinking.
• D. Encourage competitive drinking games.

Answer: (C)

Harm minimisation means reducing the risks connected with drinking by putting practical safety measures in place at events. At a party, this approach aims to keep people safer even if some choose to drink.

Providing non-alcoholic options and access to water helps people stay hydrated and gives alternatives to alcohol. Checking IDs helps stop underage drinking. Arranging safe transport reduces the chance of drunk driving. Monitoring for signs of excessive drinking allows staff to intervene early—offer water, slow or stop further drinking, or arrange a safe ride home. Together, these steps lower multiple risks (intoxication, dehydration, underage access, dangerous transportation, and peer pressure) without requiring complete abstinence.

Forbidding all alcohol isn’t practical or always effective in harm reduction. Offering only one non-alcoholic option and no additional support leaves people uncomfortable and unsafe, and encouraging competitive drinking increases risk and harm.