Hosting a Party and Serving Alcohol?
You may be responsible for your guests' actions if you serve people past the point of intoxication on your property. Hosting a backyard wedding with several dozen or more guests increases the possibility of you not being able to monitor all alcohol consumption.
Tips for Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Today, the legal threshold for intoxication is lower and courts now hold people who serve alcohol to their friends and guests on their property more accountable. Whether you are a homeowner or tenant, you may be held responsible for your guests' behaviour – even after they leave your property – if you serve them alcohol. Consider the following before you serve alcohol to guests:
- Ask people when they arrive if they are a designated driver
- Ensure many non-alcoholic beverages and food options are available
- One hour before you anticipate guests will leave, stop serving alcohol and start serving coffee, tea or water
- Have cash on hand for cabs and/or an extra bedroom made up for last-minute overnight guests
- Keep watch and don't hesitate to ask for someone's keys if you have concerns about their ability to drive