As the host or hostess of any party, you want to see people
enjoying themselves, but if they have too much fun, especially when it comes to
their consumption of alcohol, you could be held legally liable. In fact, you
could be held legally liable for any damage or injury caused to a person or
place where alcohol has been deemed a contributing factor, according to the Liquor
Distribution Act and the Liquor
Control and Licensing Act.
As a server, any person, company or organization is
responsible for protecting the party from any harm and must take special care to
ensure their safety. For a server, this means you should not serve people who
are intoxicated. As an occupier, a person or company that owns the premises
where alcohol is being served, you have a legal duty to ensure that the people
on that property are protected. Finally, as an employer, you could be held
responsible for employees if they are harmed at work or staff parties where
alcohol is involved.
Here are some tips for protecting yourself from liquor
liability:
- Limit the consumption of alcohol
- Train bartenders and do not permit service for inebriated patrons
- Serve food
- Employ bouncers or sober individuals to monitor alcohol usage
- Be insistent on the use of taxis
- Provide reduced or subsidized taxi and hotel rates
- Promote the use of car pools and designated drivers
- Be sure to obtain the proper permit to sell or serve alcohol
