The Super Bowl is right around the corner (February 9, 2025). Many of us will host a party for friends and family, stocked with food and drinks.
Throwing a party in your house that includes alcohol means that you need to be aware of your potential liability exposure. Below are important things to always keep in mind as the host of a house party where alcohol is served.
Providing alcohol to guests
It is common for parties involving the viewing of sporting events to serve alcohol. As host, you have a duty to ensure the safety of each partygoer, called social host liability. This is the legal term for one’s responsibility when providing any type of alcohol to guests.
While criminal and civil laws vary by state, many states provide the injured guest (for example, if involved in a drunk driving accident) with recourse to sue the individual who provided the alcohol at the gathering. Homeowners insurance may offer some “host” liquor liability coverage, but it may not be enough to cover some losses.
When hosting a party with alcohol, it is vital to ensure your guests do not drink excessively and that they head home safely after consuming the alcohol you serve. Be sure to remember these valuable tips:
- Understand the ins and outs of your state’s social host liability laws.
- Urge all guests to designate a driver who does not drink at the party.
- As the host, stay completely sober so you can effectively guarantee that all guests stay safe.
- Always serve food to help counter the negative and dangerous effects of drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Know when to stop serving alcoholic drinks and when your guests are not safe to drive home.
- If minors attend your affair, make sure they do not consume alcohol. This cannot be overemphasized.
Enjoy the Big Game but be mindful!
Contact us here at Thorp & Trainer if you have any questions about social host liquor liability coverage.