Unfair as it may seem, you can be held responsible if you sell alcohol to an individual who then causes damage or injury to themselves, others or property while intoxicated. Even if you win in any court case, you will still face legal costs defending a claim. That’s a big problem as many business policies specifically exclude any claim resulting from an alcohol-related incident.
To make things worse, most states have what are known as “dram shop” laws that create strict liability for businesses that serve alcohol to somebody who is already intoxicated. That means you can be held responsible for their subsequent actions without any need for proof you acted recklessly.
Liquor liability insurance covers against such cases, though you will need to check precisely what a policy covers. Look for assault and battery coverage, which covers claims against your staff – something that can easily arise if they are escorting a drunken patron off the premises.
Find out more about liquor liability insurance by contacting us today.