To limit the extent of your liability in the event that alcohol is served, it is important to draft, implement and ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures. Create policies and procedures with meaningful consequences and strictly enforce them. Some useful elements of a policy include:
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Ensuring that bartenders are experienced and do not serve obviously intoxicated persons.
- Offering food service.
- Encouraging taxi use.
- Providing reduced/subsidized taxi and hotel rates.
- Encouraging car pools and designated-driver programs.
- Reminding guests before and during the event not to drink and drive and of the other options available.
- Having several trained doormen/bouncers/spotters that remain sober and watch people leaving and encourage/insist on taxi use.
- Informing guests that intoxicated persons will be put into taxis.
- Provide educational material that warns against excessive alcohol consumption .i.e. Displaying posters from Mothers Against Drinking and Driving (MADD), Students Against Drinking and Driving (SADD) or similar organizations, outside and around alcohol consumption areas.
In addition, always review the legal requirements of your province, territory or state. It is always important to consult your liquor control act and/or a legal representative. Your community may have specific regulations that must be included in your policy.
Related ClearRisk Liquor Liability Risk Tools:
Liquor Liability - Regulatory Resources
Liquor Liability - Risk Management
Liquor Liability