Can I legally let people in my place of business before I open?

Question

Please help me settle a dispute with my boss. I was under the impression that if you let people into your place of business before business hours ( or after) then you are held fully liable if there is an accident. While insurance would cover it if it was during normal operating hours. She will let people in a full hour before we open and let them stay after for up to three hours because she wants the money. Does anyone know for sure?

Answer 1

The liability insurance should cover the premises 24 hours a day, not just during business hours.  After all, what happens if someone falls on the sidewalk in front of the business?  They're going to sue the business, even if it was the middle of the night.

In any case, the liability is on your boss, especially if she let's them in before or after hours.  Wonder why she doesn't just stay open longer hours?

Answer 2

A commercial policy covers the business 24 hours a day during the policy term.

Answer 3

I have never seen a policy which restricts cover to hours of working. It would be also be illegal for an insurance co to issue a policy which restricts the protection of an employee. The cover would be worded as "whilst working in your occupation of etc" not to specific hours.

Answer 4

Is your boss the owner of the business?

If so, she is in a much better position to know whether or not there are restrictions on her insurance coverage.

If she's not the owner, perhaps she has already checked with the owner and determined that it's not a problem.