With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time for you to deck the halls. From office parties to neighborhood get-togethers and family celebrations. The holiday season is a time to enjoy the people you cherish most but spend little time with during the course of the year. The season of great cheer is often enhanced with a drink or two as well. Unfortunately, some people drink more than they should during the holidays, and the overconsumption of alcohol results in many alcohol-related deaths.
Your Legal Responsibility as a Party Host
Many people don’t realize the liability attached to hosting an office parties or family get-together. When a drunk driver causes an accident after leaving a party you hosted, the victim can hold you, the party’s host, financially responsible in addition to the drunk driver. The law that encourages party hosts to monitor their guests drinking throughout the night is called social host liability.
The law extends to employers as well. If an employee causes an accident following an employer-sponsored party, you may be responsible for the damages. Additionally, employees who consume alcohol at parties may easily harass other employees. If this happens at the office party, you may still be responsible for the acts, just as if you were at your business facilities.
Tips to Limit Over-drinking
The following are a few things you can do to limit alcohol consumption at your parties:
- Choose a designated driver early.
- Set a limit to the number of drinks per guest or how long alcohol will be served.
- Host the party at a local restaurant that provides trained bartenders.
- Provide rooms for guests to stay overnight and avoid driving altogether.
- Serve food to counter the effects of alcohol consumption.
Making Dollars and Sense with Liability
If you are sued as a result of a drunk driving accident, damages can quickly reach six-figures. Can you imagine having to pay for bodily injuries, medical bills, property damage expenses, and then punitive damages? The costs could potentially be phenomenal. Without homeowners liability insurance coverage or employee practice liability insurance (EPLI), you would have to foot the bill using your savings or other monies you have stashed away.
Although we get pleasure and relax by having a drink with friends and family, it’s potentially life-altering if you allow your guests to overconsume alcohol and drive.
Other Potential Risks of the Over-Drinking
In addition to the risk of legal action, there is a potential for fights and violent behavior when alcohol is consumed at parties. All too often, the consumption of alcohol results in reduced inhibitions, allowing people to act out of order. In turn, long-term friendships can end and long-term co-workers can severe their relationships after arguments.
‘Tis the season the season of great cheer, but as the party host, you have to do your due diligence. Monitor guests at home parties and office parties to ensure they are not risking their lives and your financial well-being this year.
At Homewood Insurance, we encourage you to enjoy the time you spend with your friends and family this holiday season. Make this season, safe and full of cheer.
