West Hollywood Throws Alcohol-Free New Year's Eve Costume Ball

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – A New Year's Eve costume ball – sans alcohol – will be held Monday evening in West Hollywood. The event is meant to steer people away from the idea that lots of alcohol must be involved to have a good time, organizers said.

The sixth annual party known as #BOOM! is also part of a long-term strategy to reduce alcohol and drug use, specifically in the LGBTQ community, according to Cynthia Nickerson, a media advocacy specialist with the Institute for Public Strategies.

The party will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the West Hollywood Park Auditorium. Admission is free, but reservations are required and can be made at www.boom2019.eventbrite.com. Party-goers must be at least 18 years old, Nickerson said.

Free food and free non-alcoholic drinks will be available. The costume themes are glamour; Lady Gaga versus Madonna; "menage a trio"; "hot mess"; and military. Winners in each theme will be awarded a prize.

There also will be face and body painting, a photo booth, a midnight toast and dancing.

The party is an element of the West Hollywood Project intended to reduce alcohol and drug-related harms in West Hollywood. The project receives funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It is operated by the Institute for Public Strategies, a San Diego-based nonprofit organization which seeks to reduce alcohol and drug problems, underage drinking, DUI and crime.

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock