How host liquor liability coverage can protect your company from party-related risks.
If you are like many other business owners, then you may be planning on hosting a holiday party for your employees. While holiday parties are all about celebrating and encouraging team bonding, it's important to remember that company parties do come with certain risks. For instance, if you plan on serving alcohol at your holiday event, then you run the risk of intoxicated party guests, causing property damage or injuries to others. To ensure that you are not held liable for such losses, you need a special form of
commercial insurance in Los Angeles, California, known a
host liquor liability insurance. Here's what you need to know about this coverage.
Host Liquor Liability Insurance
Businesses that allow alcohol to be consumed onsite or at an event that they are hosting are liable for the damage or injuries that intoxicated individuals cause following the event. Business owners can protect themselves from this risk by securing host liquor liability insurance. This type of insurance offers coverage for any third-party damages or injuries caused by intoxicated employees or party guests, ensuring that your business will not have to pay for these expenses out-of-pocket.
Who Needs This Coverage?
Some states have enacted laws that hold party hosts liable for the damages caused by an inebriated party-goers. If your business is located on one of these states, then you absolutely cannot afford to skip out on host liquor liability. However, even if you don't operate a business within these states, you are still highly encouraged to carry host liquor liability insurance. This is because an injured party can still sue you for the damages an intoxicated employee causes following a company party. Host liquor liability insurance will cover your legal fees and minimize the negative impact that such a case has on your company's reputation.
Other Ways to Prevent Liquor Liability Issues at Your Company Party
- If there will be alcohol at your party, confiscate your guests' car keys as they arrive. This will ensure that intoxicated guests do not slip away and attempt to drive without you realizing it.
- Limit your own alcohol consumption and keep an eye on your guests. Cut off anyone who seems to be pushing their limits and watch to make sure that they aren't lashing out at others. Obviously, you should not give them their keys and allow them to drive home.
- Encourage the use of designated drivers or be ready to call a cab company or a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft.
- Make sure that you serve plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of food to ensure that people do not drink on an empty stomach.
- Consider hiring a bartender for your event. While this may seem a little overboard, bartenders are trained to check IDs and know when to cut off a guest that is getting too intoxicated. Having this set of eyes will help you keep alcohol consumption under control.
This is what you need to know about host liquor liability insurance and the other things you can do to lower your risk for an alcohol-related liability claim against your business. Need help with your
commercial insurance in Los Angeles, California? Then contact the experts at Fuller Insurance Agency in Southern California for assistance with your coverage needs today.
