Throwing A Summer Party? A Look At Limiting Your Liquor Liability
Summer is the perfect time to throw a backyard bash. The warmer weather allows you to take full advantage of your outdoor space, meaning your guests can have more room to enjoy themselves. Consequently, many of us look to the summer when we are thinking of hosting an event.
While throwing a party opens you up to the possibility of a great evening, it also opens up your risk. Here is a quick investigation into limiting your liquor liability at your summer bash.
In general, social hosts in the state of California are protected from liability for any harmful behaviors committed by their intoxicated guests. This is true even when the host serves to an individual who has clearly had too much to drink and when the host allows an obviously intoxicated person to drive.
The California Supreme Court had a recent ruling that showed an exclusion to hosts’ liability immunity, though. In Ennabe v. Manosa, it was ruled that the host would be held liable for the death of a guest who was run over by another intoxicated and underage guest. In this case, the hosts were held liable because they charged a small admission fee at the door. Because of that fee, the liquor served at their party was considered “sold” and they, consequently, faced liquor liability.
If you are planning a summer party, ensure you do not charge an entrance fee and never serve alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals to best protect yourself.
Before you host your party, connect with your insurance agent. He or she will be able to advise you on the best way to limit your liability—liquor and otherwise—so that you can have the peace of mind you need to enjoy your event. Contact Hoffman Brown Company to make sure you have the right homeowners insurance and personal umbrella policies in place to be fully safeguarded at your event.
