You may think that having a few friends over for Super Bowl is nothing special, but at an event where alcohol is likely to be served, there are some extra issues you should consider. For example, slip and fall accidents become more likely. Property damage (yours) is another distinct possibility. Even thefts, inadvertent, of course, can occur.
There is also something called “social host liability. That is the liability you as the host would incur if one of your guests overindulges and hurts someone. In California, the host is usually not responsible for his/her guests once they leave the party, but they do have a social responsibility to make sure everyone has a safe experience. That said, a host is 100 percent liable for what happens to an underage drinker during and after the event. A host may also be found guilty of a misdemeanor for serving “habitual or common drunkards,” although no one knows those kinds of people, right?
To make sure your party guests have a good, safe time, the Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org) posted the following suggestions:
– Hire a professional bartender. Most bartenders are trained to recognize signs of intoxication and are better able to limit consumption by partygoers.
– Encourage guests to pick a designated driver who will refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages in order to be able to drive other guests home.
– Be a responsible host. Limit your own alcohol intake so that you will be better able to judge your guests’ sobriety.
– Offer non-alcoholic beverages and always serve food. Eating and drinking plenty of water, or other non-alcoholic beverages, can help counter the effects of alcohol.
– Do not pressure guests to drink or rush to refill their glasses when empty. And never serve alcohol to guests who are visibly intoxicated.
– Stop serving liquor toward the end of the evening. Switch to coffee, tea and soft drinks.
– If guests drink too much or seem too tired to drive, call a cab, arrange a ride with a sober guest or have them sleep at your home.
Most insurance policies usually provide some liquor liability coverage, but it is typically limited to $100,000 or $300,000—which might not be enough. Check with your insurance professional to make sure you are covered before the first snap.