Holiday Party Safety

*Post updated November 2016.

 

Not that we need an excuse to celebrate, but the holidays are a great time to get family and friends together, or to throw a fun party for your office. With all the excitement and planning, we can sometimes forget to think about what would happen if something were to go wrong. Whipping up gingerbread appetizers and mixing peppermint cocktails can be festive, but not checking with guests about food allergies or making sure they have a designated driver can cause potential trouble for them, and for you.

Legally, we are responsible for guests in our home. If you have a home insurance policy, your liability coverage kicks in if someone gets hurt and sues you, but we like to avoid those situations. While it’s impossible to control every situation and prevent anything bad from ever happening, there are precautions you can take to help ensure everyone’s safety.

For all parties:

1. Enlist the help of someone who will make sure everyone has a sober ride home. Put the intoxicated person in a cab, call them a car service , or let them sleep on your couch – but don’t let them drive buzzed or drunk. You can save lives and keep yourself out of court, and out of jail.
2. Serve a variety of food and don’t forget the non-alcoholic drinks.
3. Try to avoid using glass – just in case it is dropped and shatters. Added perk: clean-up is a breeze with paper or plastic.
4. Ask ahead of time about dietary concerns.
5. Keep food properly refrigerated. Food poisoning is never fun.
6. Depending on the size of the party, consider purchasing an event insurance policy.
7. Just a reminder – in some parts of the country, serving alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 can land you in jail.

Just for office parties:

1. Think about limiting the amount of drinks a person can consume. Drink tickets will usually work well, but be aware that people who aren’t drinking may give their ticket to someone who is drinking.
2. We highly suggest that you don’t, under any circumstances, give alcohol to a minor, or anyone who is not legally of age to drink.
3. If your budget allows, hire a bartender. By not allowing guests to mix or pour their own drinks, they won’t be able to overpour.
4. Consider closing the bar 1 to 2 hours before the end of the party. That’s also a good time to serve coffee and dessert.
5. Make sure your employees are aware that all work harassment laws still apply at work functions. Sending a memo before the party is a quick, but hopefully efficient way, to remind everyone.
6. As festive as it may look, don’t hang mistletoe at your office or an office party. Someone may take it seriously and offend their coworker, or their coworker’s spouse.
7. Make sure attendance is voluntary.
8. Review your Workers Compensation and Employment Practices Liability policies. If you don’t have these policies, contact your agent for more information, and remember that Workers Compensation insurance is required by law.

Now that you know what to avoid, we hope you and your guests have a wonderful and safe time at your holiday parties this year! Let us know if we forgot anything important!