Washington D.C. — One of the greatest joys of the holiday season is sharing time with our loved ones, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Between the parties, family gatherings and holiday outings, there are plenty of occasions to celebrate and reflect on the past year. As the Chairman of the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, I ask that when celebrating this holiday season, please do so responsibly by drinking in moderation if you are above the legal drinking age, and to never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
A recent survey of 2,000 people found that the average adult in the United States doubles their intake of alcohol between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is up to one drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. The Guidelines define a standard drink as 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol by volume), 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol by volume) and 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume) distilled spirits.
It is important to plan ahead before you celebrate. Coordinate a ride home from a designated driver or plan to call a taxi or use a ride service such as Lyft or Uber, which can be accessed through apps on a smartphone, to ensure that the roads stay safe this holiday season. Please, do not drive impaired.
I wish you all cherished times with family and friends this holiday and look forward to working with you in the New Year.
