You have an apartment, condo or home and you have friends. You like your friends and you like to entertain…so you decide to plan a party for your friends and the event will be at your residence. You decide that you want to have an epic event. Of course epic events are expensive, especially when it involves alcohol. Your party budget may be modest so you think you'll use a party tool to help…you'll include a cover charge!
A cover charge makes a lot of sense in helping with the expense of a large party. A cover charge may be a horrible idea because of insurance. Charging to attend a party could leave you unprotected. Legally you owe a duty to keep persons who are on your property safe. That duty varies according to why you have a visitor. Little duty is owed to a trespasser. More responsibility exists for person such as neighbors who drop by. However, a very high safety responsibility is owed to persons that you invite to your home. Party attendees can be injured in many ways, such as tripping on stairs, slipping on loose rugs, burned by a stove, falling while dancing or be involved in an accident where alcohol is a contributing factor. Charging a cover may change your status for a social host to an alcohol server. The status change could result in voiding any insurance protection for any losses involving alcohol.
Throwing parties can be a source of entertainment…but don't throw away your protection just to help with the cost of a party. Cover charge? No! Cover yourself? Yes!
For more information, questions, or concerns on your home insurance, condo insurance, or renters insurance contact us today.
Source - ©The Rough Notes Company, Inc.