Columbia restaurant prepares for responsible drinking on Cinco de Mayo
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol there has been no reports on alcohol-related accidents so far this Cinco de Mayo weekend.
According to Bishop and Hayes, a law firm in Missouri, 70.2% of fatal crashes involving drunk driving are attributed to individuals with high blood alcohol content, specifically those with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher. Additionally, nearly 20% of all traffic fatalities among individuals under the age of 21 are caused by alcohol-impaired driving.
Like many restaurants Sunday, Las Margaritas is offering specials deals on drinks, but they are promoting safe drinking and being very vigilant in checking IDs.
In 2018, more than 11,000 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence. Among them, 108 teenagers under the age of 18 faced similar charges during that period, according to Bishop and Hayes.
Las Margaritas will have someone at the front checking people to make sure they are not already drunk before they come in, and they are keeping an eye out for any signs of intoxication.
"We'll have someone at the front like checking people and making sure they're obviously not drunk before they come in there and we don't over serve people." said Wrice.
If needed servers will get management involved if they feel like the problem requires it.
"I try to consult with the table, see you know, if their friends are all kind of thinking the same thing and if they are, you know, maybe cut them off or if I had to. We've got an amazing managing staff that we can talk to and have things handled," said Breage.
Employees at Las Margaritas have prepared for a busy Cinco de Mayo celebration. They have been getting ready since last night, cutting limes and preparing tacos and margaritas.
"I think everyone loves Cinco De Mayo because I think it's just another excuse to celebrate." said server Claudia Carreia.
The staff has anticipated there will be many orders of tacos and lime margaritas.
"Tacos, tacos and lime margaritas," said server, Quinn Breage. "Definitely tacos. Yes. And margaritas, and maybe quesadillas" Carreia follows.
The servers at Las Margaritas have been anticipating this day for weeks. They are expecting a lot of tables and a busy day ahead. Austin Wrice, who has been working at the restaurant for three years, recalls Cinco de Mayo as one of the best days of the year for tips and excited customers.
