The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Drink wisely, or not at all

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 31, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Drink wisely, or not at all

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, DEC. 30. Clubs, pubs, bars, hotels and resorts are decked up to usher in 2005, and Friday night will see the usual revelry, especially in the city's central business district around Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and St. Mark's Road.

Both the police and the medical profession have sounded warnings, as they have had to cope with the consequences of accidents caused by drunken driving and those of unruly behaviour on the streets on New Year's Eve.

Those in the "business of spirits" — barmen in the hotels and pubs — have shared some tips for safe drinking; individual capacity, of course, differs.

"Those not used to alcoholic drinks on a regular basis could stick to beer, preferably draught, or opt for lighter cocktails, not more than two per hour. Don't hesitate to tell the barman to give you a very light cocktail. It will be appreciated; nobody wants to cope with a drunk guest.''

Doctors too advise that it is a good idea to start the evening with a light meal. Alcohol enters the system faster; when you drink on an empty stomach, you get inebriated soon. "After a few drinks, the liver has to work extra hard to deal with the alcohol, and appetite may be diminished. You can deal with this by eating nutritious snacks such as cheese-based ones or small pieces of grilled vegetables or meat. Not potato chips alone; chips and salted peanuts may make you thirsty and you drink more,'' they say.

An average adult can handle about 60 to 90 ml of liquor, properly mixed and with food, in an hour.

If you are the kind that like dancing, it helps. The physical activity burns off calories and perhaps some of the alcohol as well. End the night with some food and lots of water, juice or non-alcoholic beverages; you will be better off the next day.

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