Liquor Liability Risks During the Holidays
It’s unfortunately true that fatal DUI accidents are at an annual high during the holiday season. Many people experience depression, anxiety, and loneliness during this time of year, which can lead to drinking — and drinking can lead to ill-fated decisions. Owners of bars and restaurants that serve alcohol might be wondering what holiday liquor liabilities they’re exposed to. Party hosts might even wonder, is the liability worth it to have liquor at my party? If you plan to serve alcohol during the holidays, it’s important to follow these four tips for minimizing liability and reducing the likelihood of any DUI incidents.
Pay Attention to Signs of Intoxication
One of the most important responsibilities of a host or server is simply paying attention to the signs of intoxication. It’s always a bad idea to serve a guest who’s obviously intoxicated, and signs of intoxication can include aggression, slurred speech, and drinking quickly. Similarly, if a guest exhibits behavior indicating that they are approaching intoxication, they should be served with caution. Guests like this may be loud and drinking quickly but otherwise remain composed. Liability arises when these precautions are disregarded.
Educate Staff on Their Responsibilities
For bar and restaurant owners, it’s important to educate staff on the responsibilities of serving alcohol — especially liquor. Staff should always understand how to watch for intoxication and strategies to encourage patrons to slow down or stop drinking. Owners should regularly remind staff of the importance of these principles. This knowledge comes from training, and establishment owners must take the time to educate their staff. This is one of the most effective strategies for minimizing liquor-related liability, especially during the holidays when the risk of DUI accidents is heightened.
Deny Service to Patrons When Necessary
Sometimes it becomes necessary for a server or party host to cut off a guest and stop serving them alcohol. This may happen when a patron enters an establishment and they’re already clearly intoxicated or aggressive. Regardless of the cause, though, it’s a skill that every person serving liquor needs to possess. The best strategy is to politely decline to serve alcohol and instead offer water or food, if it’s available. This can be a contentious situation, but it’s better than becoming liable for overserving. Liquor liability insurance can protect establishments from costs associated with this charge, but it’s every establishment’s responsibility to reduce the risk.
Minimize Your Business Liability
Liability insurance for establishments that serve liquor is one of the most important investments an owner can make. Even the most careful server may be faced with a charge of overserving, and this isn’t the only liability that an establishment can face. Any other claim of property damage or bodily harm may result in a claim against a bar or restaurant. It’s important to protect against the costs of such claims.
About Coastal Oak Insurance Services
At Coastal Oak Insurance Services, we strive to protect your personal and business assets from coast to coast. When you work with us, you’re family. Contact us today at (949) 519-3738 to learn more about how we can provide you with comprehensive and tailored insurance coverage.
