Sunday, October 31, 2010

Let's Avoid Another Tragedy This Season

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Every local news outlet has reported on the tragic death of Megan Duskey, a 23-year-old Crete woman who was a Chicago public schools special education teacher.

She fell to her death Saturday during Surreal Entertainment/Global Adrenaline's Haunted Hotel Ball at the Palmer House Hilton when she attempted to slide down one of the banisters on the mezzanine level.

Reports also say that even though the incident took place at 10:30pm, the party continued until 12:30am when someone was allegedly stabbed and four revelers were sent to the hospital following alcohol poisoning.

This leads me to wonder: Has the partying gotten out of control?! Many events like the "Haunted Hotel Ball" feature open-bar deals—an incentive to get people to attend. They also last anywhere from two hours to six hours, and not everyone can handle their liquor.

As we enter prime holiday party season, it will be most interesting to see how nightlife promoters and venues proceed with their events. Also, will the city monitor these type of festivities closer?

Black Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and New Year's Eve are the biggest party days of the year. Many of those events offer open bars and/or deeply discounted deals on booze.

Let's hope the promoters and venues take the right precautions, ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

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