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Host Holiday Parties Without a Liability Hangover

December 17, 2024 | By: Amanda Dean, Vice President, Ontario & Atlantic, IBC
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There’s nothing worse than waking up after a holiday get-together with a sore head – except finding out that you may be legally responsible for the actions of one of your guests.

While having an ample selection of wine, beer and spirits may seem like a recipe for a great night, homeowners and renters can potentially become legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage that arises from over-serving alcoholic beverages, or any intoxicant such as cannabis, to guests. Generally, if you knowingly serve guests past the point of intoxication on your property you will assume a duty of care to ensure that they remain safe before and after your party.   

Tips for hosting responsible get-togethers

  • From mocktails to kombucha, there are loads of non-alcoholic options to keep guests refreshed. Make sure you have plenty of alcohol-free options, as well as food, for guests who plan to drive home.

  • Avoid BYOB party invitations: this makes it more difficult for you to monitor your guests’ consumption and could potentially create liability issues arising from the actions of impaired guests.

  • Have cash on hand for cabs and/or an extra bed made up for a last-minute overnight guest.

  • Don’t hesitate to ask for someone’s keys if you’re concerned about their ability to drive.

We hope your holiday get togethers are problem-free, but unfortunately, issues can arise from accidental slip and falls to damaged property and theft.

Before opening your home to friends, be sure to properly winterize your home by keeping your walkway well lit and clear of obstacles including snow and ice, ensuring smoke and CO alarms are installed and are in good working order and trim branches near your home if safe to do so.

Also, avoid any unpleasant surprises by minimizing the risk of theft in your home. Secure your valuables and keep your identity safe by putting passports, credit cards, and bank account numbers in a safe place. 

In the event of an insurance claim, follow these three steps:

  1. Immediately contact your insurance representative.

  2. Collect all relevant documentation and information, such as photos, videos, or the names and contact information for any guests who were present or who may have information relevant to the incident.

  3. Refer any discussions about an incident with the claimant to your insurer.

IBC wishes you and your loved ones a joyous and safe festive season!

 

About This Author

Amanda is known for her consensus-building leadership and strategic stakeholder engagement. As Vice-President for Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Ontario and Atlantic regions, she advocates and is responsible for eliciting positive change and sound public policy on key priorities for the provinces’ private home, auto and business insurance sector.

Amanda also directs stakeholder and member initiatives and represents member companies’ concerns while collaborating with all orders of government on shared and strategic industry objectives such as sustainable auto insurance, balanced regulation and adaptation to severe weather.

Before joining IBC, Amanda worked closely with the Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia (and former minister responsible for Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal) and the Minister of National Defence. Her responsibilities included communications, issues management and intergovernmental relations.

Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Mary’s University and a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation. She is Past Board Chair of Mount Saint Vincent University’s Board of Governors and a member of the Board for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). An avid community leader, Amanda has volunteered with Symphony Nova Scotia, has served on the YWCA Halifax Board of Directors, the board of directors of Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR), and has lectured on government relations at MSVU.

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