Random advice about a random matter needed

[Jordan]

Official bartender sounds like a good idea, only having one person with access to the fridge/ drinks cabinet will stop people just going and having as much as they want and providing the bartender isn’t too busy he/she would also be able to say "wee Jimmy's had too much" and give him a soft drink instead.
The problem might be depending on how many people you have invited that the designated bartender could be too busy and might not enjoy the evening as much or they may upset people if they turn round and say they’ve had too much.

[xman]

Official bartender sounds like a good idea, only having one person with access to the fridge/ drinks cabinet will stop people just going and having as much as they want and providing the bartender isn’t too busy he/she would also be able to say "wee Jimmy's had too much" and give him a soft drink instead.

This would be helpful. You might consider hiring one for the purpose.

Having already had a word with the individuals in question my advice as a sometime professional bartender is as follows.

1. Let everyone know that the event will not be dry, but it will be low key upon invitation.
2. Anyone who looks like they're getting too comfortable with yet another drink get's warned, "You're not going to make me cut you off, are you"? Really, these exact words will often take someone down a peg for you. At least they have for me.
3. IF you do cut someone off, bring them water and tell them they're done drinking if they want to stay. Look them in the eye.
4. Be prepared to follow through if it comes to it. Make it clear every step of the way and everyone will be on your side whenever anyone steps out of the bounds of propriety.

Just my 2p. Good luck.

X

[dutchy kilted]

I agree with Xman - hire a professional bartender for the night. It saves you to assist your wife and play the host. And if the bartender cuts off someone, well, he looks like the the bad guy, not you.

[BobsYourUncle]

This would be helpful. You might consider hiring one for the purpose.

Having already had a word with the individuals in question my advice as a sometime professional bartender is as follows.

1. Let everyone know that the event will not be dry, but it will be low key upon invitation.
2. Anyone who looks like they're getting too comfortable with yet another drink get's warned, "You're not going to make me cut you off, are you"? Really, these exact words will often take someone down a peg for you. At least they have for me.
3. IF you do cut someone off, bring them water and tell them they're done drinking if they want to stay. Look them in the eye.
4. Be prepared to follow through if it comes to it. Make it clear every step of the way and everyone will be on your side whenever anyone steps out of the bounds of propriety.

Just my 2p. Good luck.

X

I agree with Xman - hire a professional bartender for the night. It saves you to assist your wife and play the host. And if the bartender cuts off someone, well, he looks like the the bad guy, not you.

I agree with Riverkilt and the above quoted gentlemen. I would suggest that you find a commercial venue in which to hold the event, perhaps even have the event in a restaurant. While using the local halls you speak of may damage your wife's reputation and prevent her from holding classes there, that just says to me that you need to look for a different venue away from your home.

Having the event catered, or simply hiring a professional bartender to serve drinks in your home, also sounds like a great solution. You take yourself out of the middle, and put things on a professional footing. Assuming that a professional bartender has a license, that license, or any other liability, is a neutral factor that can be used to deny someone who has overindulged without making it a personal fight with you.

I hope you find a resolution to your problem that allows you to enjoy the event without so much angst and anxiety.