Hosting Parties Can Open One Up to Liabilities

Whether it is Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s or another celebratory time of the year, hosting a party can be great fun.

That being said, it is important to remember that as a party host you can be held liable should someone suffer an injury or worse at an event you are overseeing. The key point here is anyone hosting a party should take steps to limit their liquor liability and make sure they have the right insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Social host liability, the legal language for the criminal and civil responsibility of an individual who furnishes liquor to a guest can lead to a serious impact for party throwers.

As you will discover with a little research online, social host liability laws differ widely from state to state.

Some states do not impose any liability on social hosts, while others limit liability for injuries that take place on the host’s premises. Some extend the host’s liability if the individual who was provided the alcohol is killed or injured or kills or injures others. A large number of states have laws in place that pertain directly to furnishing alcohol to minors.

In the event you are throwing a party where alcohol is served, it is up to the host to make sure that visitors are capable of driving home in a safe manner.

As an example of the trouble that can exist, the most recent statistics (2008) show that 58 percent of all highway fatalities nationwide on Halloween evening (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In the event you are hosting a party, there are several things to consider in making it a safe event:

First, think about hiring a pro bartender to serve drinks. By doing so, you discourage patrons to mix drinks on their own and assist in keeping track of how many drinks they consume.

Secondly, you have the option of serving non-alcoholic beverages, especially to those individuals who are planning on driving.

Another important item is serving food with alcohol, given the fact that food can assist in countering the effects of alcohol.

Individuals hosting parties should also strongly consider halting the serving of alcohol at least one hour prior to the end of the event. A good way to go is serving coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages toward the climax of the party.

Finally, speak with all of your guests before they depart the party. If anyone seems challenged to drive, call a cab and pay for it yourself. You can also arrange transportation with a sober friend, take your guest home, or encourage the individual to spend the night.

Before hosting a fun get together, be sure to discuss with your insurance agent about your liability insurance coverage and any exclusions, conditions or limitations your policy may include for this form of risk.