Whether you’re sharing a beer with employees on a Friday afternoon or hosting a company golf tournament, there’s more to think about when alcohol or cannabis is involved. As soon as you take on the roll of the “host”, you are responsible for ensuring that there are no negative consequences that result from providing and serving liquor to others. Fortunately, there is commercial insurance called Host Liquor Liability that will provide coverage in many cases.
General host liability is liability insurance for bodily injury or property damage arising out of the serving of alcohol by a non-liquor or cannabis-related business. If your business doesn’t serve, sell, or manufacture alcohol but allows it to be consumed on the premises, then this insurance can help protect your company from alcohol or cannabis-related lawsuits.
It is separate from liquor liability insurance, which covers restaurants, bars, and establishments that are in the business of making, selling or serving alcohol. Host liquor liability exposures are often included under standard commercial general liability (CGL) policies. It is intended to provide coverage for claims arising from the incidental service of alcohol, such as at social events like a company barbecue or holiday party.
Of course, even with general host liability coverage in place, it is always in the best interest of your company to ensure that employees are consuming alcohol responsibly and have a safe way of getting home afterwards as well.
If you are not sure if your general liability policy includes host liability coverage, speak to one of the experts at Fuse Insurance.
Fuse Insurance Ltd. is the evolution of the commercial insurance brokerage, and the first of its kind in Western Canada. Backed by policies from a selection of A-rated insurers, Fuse Insurance can provide coverage for businesses large and small from almost any industry. For further information or to get an online quote now, click here or call us at 1-866-387-FUSE (3873) for more details.