| When an individual throws a party, their concern is | | | | The important thing to note is that the social host |
| always that their guest has a good time. But | | | | is not automatically liable if their guest goes on to |
| when a guest has too good of a time and | | | | injure somebody or some property while |
| consequently causes harm to themselves or | | | | intoxicated. While the social host is cleared from |
| others because of the excess consumption of | | | | liability if the individual did not appear intoxicated, |
| liquor at a party, the fault can actually fall on the | | | | other guests will be required to testify and |
| shoulders of the party's host. While not every | | | | confirm this as truth. In addition, a social host |
| state has or recognizes social host liability laws, it | | | | cannot be sued for injuries on the part of the |
| is an extremely important aspect to be aware of | | | | intoxicated guest - only third parties injured |
| prior to hosting a social event. | | | | through the guest's negligence. |
| What is a Social Host? | | | | What A Social Host Can Do to Be Protected |
| Social hosts can range from being a small dinner | | | | From Liability? |
| party to a wedding, convention, family reunion or | | | | The safest - and best - way of avoiding liquor |
| company party. A social host can be an individual, | | | | liability, as a social host is clear - do not serve |
| a corporation, or a group (such as a fraternity or | | | | alcohol at social events. However, in the case that |
| social organization). The size of the gathering is | | | | alcohol is served at your social event, know that |
| inconsequential - from a single guest to a guest | | | | you have taken on liability for your guests' actions. |
| list of thousands, the social host can carry a hefty | | | | It is important to be self-educated on protecting |
| financial burden under social host liability. | | | | yourself from being sued because of the actions |
| When is a Social Host Liable? | | | | of intoxicated guests: |
| A social host is liable for injuries (physical and | | | | * Encourage designated drivers - provide |
| financial) suffered on the part of a guest who | | | | non-alcoholic drinks for these guests and make |
| causes injury to a third person when the following | | | | sure they have the car keys. |
| requirements are met: | | | | * Limit the amount of alcohol available at your |
| * The social host did serve alcohol to the person | | | | gathering. |
| who caused the personal injury or property | | | | * Consider hiring bartenders. Although this may |
| damage in question; | | | | not fully protect you from liquor liability laws, it |
| * The social host knew, or should have known, | | | | does lessen the threat of a lawsuit. |
| that the person who caused the personal injury | | | | Check to see if your homeowner's or business |
| or property damage was intoxicated; and | | | | insurance covers liquor liability. You may be able to |
| * The social host knew that the person who | | | | purchase single-event insurance for large events, |
| caused the personal injury or property damage | | | | such as company picnics or wedding receptions. |
| would be driving after the social occasion. | | | | |