Hosting a Party
Are you hosting a party this holiday season? You may have more legal responsibility than you think. Here is what you need to know to reduce your risk as a host.
If an alcohol-related injury results from any of the following situations, you may be held legally responsible:
- You host a party in your home and provide alcohol to a guest who is obviously intoxicated, and who you know is planning to drive.
- You organize an alcohol-related function, such as a wedding in a rented hall, and fail to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of your guests while they are on the property.
- You organize a company party at which alcohol is provided to employees and guests who are intoxicated.
- You sign a Special Occasion Permit for an event and fail to ensure that:
- the alcohol is served responsibly
- the venue meets fire, building and other legal requirements
- the event is properly managed
- staff and security are adequately trained
10 Tips to Reduce your Alcohol-related Liability
You could be left with more than a mess the next morning. Know what you are in for when hosting a party.
- Do not plan physical activities, like swimming,
skiing, snowmobiling and skating when you serve alcohol. People
are more prone to reckless behaviour when drinking that could
result in injuries.
- Have low-alcohol and alcohol-free cocktails and drinks available
too.
- Serve snacks! It is better to eat while drinking than to drink
on an empty stomach. Try veggies, cheeses and light dips- they
are great and do not make your guests thirsty, like salty, sweet
or greasy foods do.
- Be prepared for overnight guests. Get those blankets and sleeping
bags ready.
- Serve drinks yourself instead of having an open bar. Avoid doubles.
Guests usually drink more when they serve themselves.
- Plan to deal with guests that drink too much. Ask someone to
be prepared to help you before the party gets rolling.
- Find out how guests will be going home from your party. Be prepared
to take away car keys. Know your designated drivers. Have cash
and phone numbers ready for taxis.
- Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the party is over. Bring
out more food and alcohol-free drinks.
- Plan ahead so that it is easy to try some of these tips. This
can result in a party that is memorable for all the right reasons.
- Don't drink too much yourself. You can stay on top of potential
problems better when you can think clearly and act quickly
