Officer Joe Allen of the Glendale Police Dept. with the Crescenta Valley Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition, California Narcotic Officers Assn., National Education Foundation of America, and Elks are providing a class on alcohol prevention and impairment tonight, Dec. 13.

As the celebrations of the holidays arrive, there are moments when bubbly champagne, festive cocktails and other alcoholic beverages will become a part of the events. Tonight’s class is an opportunity to learn how alcohol affects the body: how it is absorbed in the body, how the same amount of alcohol affects men and women, how different types of alcohol, wine, spirits and beer impair the user, and how the body eliminates/metabolizes alcohol.

The Alcohol Awareness Presentation takes place at the Glendale Elks Lodge, 120 E. Colorado St. in Glendale tonight at 6 p.m. In a controlled setting, these organizations bring in volunteer drinkers that will consume alcohol then demonstrate how they are tested. This will be a valuable lesson on impairment. Speakers are law enforcement officers, certified as instructors to teach impairment detection to law enforcement. NBC National News will be covering and airing Friday morning.

Law enforcement is dedicated to keeping streets safe from impaired drivers, said Allen. The best rule is always if you drink don’t drive. Use a designated driver. The next best answer is to be responsible about the use of alcohol.