Am I liable for people that have been drinking at my reception when they leave? ?

Question

I am purchasing the alcohol with my package that I have setup with the reception hall/cater. If someone has too much to drink am I liable if they leave the premises without finding someone to come get them or if they get a DUI.

Answer 1

You could be held liable in they are in a car accident and someone is injured.  But the bottom line is make sure your bartenders are fully aware they have the power to cut someone off and make sure they will do it.  You could try handing out tickets for drinks, so no one has way too many.

I would recommend having a valet driver or someone who checks in keys and will not give them to an intoxicated person.

Even if you weren't legally liable, do you really want your special day's memory ruined by someone getting to drunk to drive, causing an accident and possibly killing someone or themselves?

Answer 2

If they are under-age, you certainly are liable. If they are adults, you may have some explaining to do if they are caught DUI. In today's society, more and more communities are putting the onus on the host, bartender, company boss: We are expected to be our brother's keeper, also our neighbor's ... co-worker's...and customer's!

Answer 3

You would be liable if you were serving alcohol to minors.  Adults must hold themselves responsible for their own actions.  It won't stop someone from suing you if one of your guest left your party and then had an accident (DUI).  If would not hurt to have a couple of people look out for the guests at the end of the night and insist on calling a cab for someone who is too intoxicated to drive home.

Answer 4

I think it maybe the facility but you might want to ask a lawyer in your area just to be safe.

Answer 5

you're not legally liable for them especially if they are adults, but you should be careful. maybe you should get a shuttle service for your reception, that is the way to go! trust me i work at a banquet hall/catering service and the shuttles seem to alleviate many problems!

Answer 6

I dont think you are liable. You are your own person and they should be responsible for themselves.

Answer 7

I believe that technically the person serving the alcohol (the bartender or waitress) is liable, but I am not positive.  That said, if something happens and an accident victim decides to start a lawsuit, they will likely name everyone they can think of as liable in the hopes that something will stick.  Those someones named in a lawsuit would likely include the host (you).  

I think the smartest thing to do to cover yourself is to make sure that the bartender/waitresses stop serving anyone that is obviously intoxicated and to close the bar at least one hour before the end of the event.  

Answer 8

I would read your contract with the hall again.  If it is not listed, I would check with them.  You might need to purchase "event insurance" if they are not providing coverage, which will provide you with some liability coverage.

Answer 9

Not unless it's you serving the drinks yourself.  That's the bartender's job.

Answer 10

This will vary from state to state, however in Ohio if you have a party (you) and serve alcohol and someone gets drunk and gets busted or even worse kills someone, you are liable! Even if you have it at a hall or pay bartenders it is your responsibility to make sure no one leaves that has had too much to drink.  Check with your local city hall or police dept, just don't tell them when or where the party is.

Answer 11

When and where is your party?....I love an open bar....I'll keep an eye on those drunken slobs.

Answer 12

You are legally responsible if it's your name on the liquor license and you are potentially liable if you are the official host of the event. Eg. If it's a company function and you are organizing it/providing the alcohol you can be held responsible.  Overall, be a good human being..don't let people drink and drive if it's your responsibility or not.