Be a common-sense host this year

Holidays often include celebrations that bring families and friends together in homes across the country. Food, fun, talk and spirits flow generously and, to add a sobering thought, so do injuries and accidents.

It's not news to hear that increased drinking leads to increases in personal tragedies, but it's important to heed reminders that individuals must be responsible for their actions. One major area of responsibility is as a host. Hosts are given the credit for the enjoyment that their guests experience at a party. On the dark side, party-givers are also asked to bear partial or full responsibility for guests who cause damage or injury on the way home from a gathering. In other words, they may be sued for contributing to losses caused by alcohol-impaired guests.

The good news is that the brunt of responsibility, even via lawsuits, has to be faced by the individual who directly caused the loss. There would have to be strong evidence to support a host being held financially responsible, since any involvement is indirect.

While a homeowner's policy may offer coverage if a host has substantially contributed to a loss, an insurer may be able to deny a claim for a number of reasons. For instance, the host making a possible income from the party (for potential customers), having paid bartenders or it is a fundraising event. Also, if the host has knowledge of the guest being impaired and continued to serve them liquor and/or failing to make arrangements for impaired guests with designated drivers, taxis or lodging.

Of course, the best course of action is to make sure that parties are thrown responsibly, are done as a social (rather than business or commercial) event, and that the chances of sending drunken guests on the road are minimized. A good host will make sure that food is available, that a liquor supply under his or her control is cut-off, and that impaired friends or relatives are prevented from endangering themselves or others. No holiday celebration should end up with a tragedy and/or a lawsuit.

Lee is a Linton insurance agent. He can be reached by telephone at 847-3237 or by e-mail Lee@thechoiceins.com .