Thanks lbern - some good advice
I hate to pick holes in things...but my only quibble is my 'no' is simply 'no' these days...
I tried the 'I'm laying off it tonight' and people kept asking if I 'was drinking tonight' each time I met them again....they had such hopeful expectant faces...for me then it really made saying 'no thanks' harder.
it was way easier for me just to say no once and let the news filter out
D