No matter what
holiday you celebrate -- and this time of year has a plethora of them -- the
holidays mean family get-togethers, celebrations, good times catching up with
good friends, and parties -- lots of them. And parties mean plenty of food,
laughter, and beverages of all kinds.
During the holidays
it's time to be especially careful when entertaining, and especially careful in
New England where we have more seasonal hazards like ice, snow, sleet,
cold. And while 'tis the season to be
jolly, when it comes to alcoholic beverages, they need to be handled and served
with care.
So allow me to get
right to the point right out of the gate. YOU CAN BE SUED as a homeowner, business
owner, or tenant. Anyone who provides alcoholic beverages has enormous
responsibility and risk.
Yes, even as a
homeowner entertaining a few friends or relatives can unwittingly create danger. Friend
and family over-indulging in alcoholic beverages can lead to serious
consequences. Even as a social host you have responsibilities to your guests
and to the general public.
Below you will find
a few tips that may help. In fact, just being aware of these is a good starting
point.
Have fun, be safe…
As a party host, you
probably don't want to think about your potential liquor liability. But it's
something you'll want to consider as your party planning gets under way this
holiday season.
That’s because most
states hold party hosts who offer excessive alcohol to their guests responsible
for those guests' actions behind the wheel (or for serving alcohol to minors).
In those states, anyone injured by a drunk driver has the right to sue the host
of the party who served the alcohol. Sometimes, criminal charges may even
apply.
A 2017 jury verdict
shows just what can happen -- $3.5
million jury verdict last year against a family serving alcohol to teenagers (this
could have been adults as well). A young female guest left with a male guest
who was obviously drunk. The boy caused a terrible accident that left the girl
with brain damage.
Here is how you can help and prevent a
tragedy:
· Limit guests to people you actually know -- and
seriously consider cutting from your list anyone who habitually overindulges.
· Encourage your guests to choose a designated
driver before they arrive.
· Serve plenty of nonalcoholic drinks and food
to help counter the effects of the alcohol.
· Have activities like dancing or games going
on that don't involve alcohol.
· Stop serving alcohol well before the party
ends.
· Offer to call a cab or be the designated driver
for anyone who appears intoxicated.
Have a happy
and safe holiday season. And remember: "The best insurance is prevention."
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