The Perils of Hosting a Holiday Party
The Perils of Hosting a Holiday Party
Who is Liable When Guests Drive Drunk, Get Food-Poisoning or Hurt On Your Property?
As millions of Americans host and attend holiday parties across the street or across the country, many are unaware of the risks they may be taking, or of their own responsibilities to ensure their guests don’t hit the road drunk. Many homeowners do not think they are liable in the event that a guest becomes seriously ill from catered food consumed at the host’s home, and some don’t think they can be held responsible if a guest becomes injured on the sidewalk in front of their property. The bottom line is that homeowners can, in fact, be held responsible in any of these scenarios or accidental incidents.
Consider the following tips to prevent holiday party accidents and protect yourself:
· Limit your guest list to those you know.
· Host your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather in a home or office.
· Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
· Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol. If the party centers around drinking, guests will likely drink more.
· Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who cannot or should not drive home.
· Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
· Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
Depending on your situation you may need additional coverage through the purchase an inexpensive Personal Umbrella policy or an Event policy. The Event policy may include liquor liability coverage.
newspost554-the-perils-of-hosting-a-holiday-party-.aspxPosted on 12/30/2009 7:50:57 AM
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