Tips for Responsible Hosting

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - The good folks at Kalfus & Nachman want you to be aware of your rights and responsibilities when hosting a holiday party.

Keep this in mind when hosting a party.

Tips for Responsible Hosting

Did you know that you can be held responsible for what happens to your guests while they are in your home, on your property or at any function or party you organize, regardless of the location?
As well, when you entertain and are in charge of the premises and who attends, you are responsible for taking steps to protect all your guests from harm, including those who may be impaired or intoxicated. This means ensuring the location is safe for all guests, protecting them from risk of injury others may pose, and ensuring that activities taking place at the event don't pose a risk of injury.

Check on your home insurance policy's third-party liability coverage.

Exercise Caution and follow these tips to help keep things safe once the party's started?

Be the host with the most: Plan to drink minimally or not at all.

Permit Needed? A Special Occasion License is a license issued for not-for-profit special occasions (weddings, banquets, club functions...etc)

Treat Alcohol With Respect: Alcohol produces a wide range of physical and mental effects that vary from one individual to another. Even at low levels, it may affect perception, judgment, coordination and decision-making long before there are obvious signs of impairment.

Designate Drivers: Before the party gets going, it's important to make sure all your guests have planned for a safe trip home. Know who the designated drivers will be. Then, serve them accordingly-that means no alcohol whatsoever.

Take The Fizz Out: If you serve an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base, such as fruit juice. The body absorbs alcohol faster when mixed with carbonation, as in mixed drinks with carbonated mixes or sparkling wines.

Measuring Up: Mix and serve drinks yourself or appoint a trustworthy bartender rather than letting guests serve themselves. Be sure to measure drinks and avoid serving doubles or shots.

Kalfus & Nachman

LegalMatters.KalfusNachman.com

(800) 361-0430