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Whether it’s a backyard barbeque to kickoff summer or a company party to celebrate the holidays and end of another year, when alcohol is involved, it’s important to ensure that your fun doesn’t end up giving rise to social host liability issues. Just as a bartender is held accountable for serving alcohol to a patron who becomes intoxicated and injures a third party, individuals and businesses face similar social host liability risks at events that include alcohol, so it’s important to understand the liquor liability exposures you face as a social host.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, liquor liability exposure is not limited to those whose primary business is selling alcoholic beverages. In fact, you are considered a social host as long as you provide alcohol to individuals in a non-commercial manner. Considering that most states have their own social host liability laws that determine your liability for your guests’ actions, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the law in your jurisdiction in order to minimize your risks.

NH Liquor Liability Insurance for Your Business

Considering the substantial monetary fines and lawsuits a social host can face if deemed responsible for a guest’s actions, some business owners turn to NH liquor liability insurance for protection. It’s important to review your company’s current general liability insurance policy to determine your coverage in social host situations, and decide whether adding a liquor liability policy is the best option. However, it’s always best to be cautious because even with this additional coverage, you can still be held liable if your alcohol service violates a statute, if a minor is served, or if an already intoxicated person is served.

Ready to review your current coverage and get a free New Hampshire liquor liability insurance quote? Call us today at 603-882-2766 or submit our online quote request form!

Recent Social Host Liability Cases – Individuals Are Liable, Too

nh liquor liability insuranceNot only can businesses be held accountable for their guests’ actions at a gathering, but individuals face liability exposures as well. The following social host liability cases expose the harsh reality of the risks you face as a social host.

Nancy St. Jean, a mother in Haverhill, Mass., allowed her teenage daughter Ashley to host parties at their home while St. Jean was home. 16-year-old Michael Berry attended one of these parties in 2003, became intoxicated, punched a glass window, wandered away from St. Jean’s home, and was found dead more than a day later because of blood loss and exposure. Becoming the first person in Essex County imprisoned for violating the Social Host Law, St. Jean was sentenced to six months in state prison and forced to pay a $2,000 fine for allowing the party in her home where alcohol was served, that led to Berry’s death.

Similarly, in 2003, 19-year-old Brendan Kneram violated the Social Host Law by providing alcohol to minors. After purchasing beer in Seabrook, NH, with a fake I.D., Kneram returned to his parents’ house and consumed it with three other friends, including William White. White crashed into another vehicle while driving home, killing a young girl and permanently injuring her boyfriend. As a social host by law, Kneram faced one year in the House of Corrections with six months suspended.

Know the Law & Minimize Your Social Host Liability Risks

Use the following tips to promote safe alcohol consumption and reduce your social host liability exposure at your next party:

  • Is your party legal? Before sending out party invitations, familiarize yourself with your state’s social host liability laws, and make sure you are properly insured. Hosting your party at a restaurant or bar with a liquor license, rather than at your home will help minimize liquor liability risks.
  • No drinking and diving – Consuming alcohol and swimming do not mix well. It’s best to avoid swimming while under the influence of alcohol to prevent accidents.
  • Provide plenty of food –Serve your guests filling food and be sure to offer alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Alcoholfree activities – Be sure to schedule some events that do not include alcohol.
  • Don’t drive – Don’t allow your guests to drive after consuming too much alcohol. Arrange transportation or provide overnight accommodations to guests who should not drive.
  • Last call – Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends, and refrain from serving guests who are noticeably intoxicated.
  • Know your role – Stay alert and always remember your responsibilities as host. Always consume alcohol responsibly when entertaining at your pool.

Whether planning a birthday bash or a company Christmas party, it’s never a bad idea to consult your insurance agent before hosting your next event to ensure that you have proper NH liquor liability insurance coverage. For more information on social host liability and additional safety tips, please subscribe to our blog or contact us.

To get a quick, free NH liquor liability insurance quote, please call us today at 603-882-2766 or submit our online quote form.

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