The holidays are finished, but that doesn’t mean that the good times are over. Albertans love to host their friends and families during every season and the company of others is even more enjoyable within the sanctity of a private home. But being a host comes with certain responsibilities. It’s possible you may be legally responsible for the bad actions of a guest, which can sour good memories quickly.
Offering an assortment of wine, beer, spirits, and cannabis might seem like a great idea for a fun night, however, you could be held liable for any injuries or property damage caused by over-serving intoxicants … however legal they are. If you knowingly allow guests to consume past the point of intoxication, you must assume a duty of care to ensure their safety during and after the event.
Preparing your home for holiday gatherings
Before the festivities begin, make sure to prep your home. Accidents like slips, falls, or property damage can happen even to the perfectly sober. Here are a few steps to make your home safer and reduce risks:
- Winterize your property: Keep walkways well-lit and free of snow or ice. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and functional.
- Secure your valuables: Store passports, credit cards, and other sensitive items in a safe location to protect against theft or identity loss.
Tips for hosting safe (and fun!) gatherings with liquor
- Provide plenty of non-alcoholic options: Stock up on refreshments like pop, juice, mocktails and other alcohol-free drinks.
- Offer sustenance: Keep the food circulating.
- Skip BYOB invitations: It’s easier to monitor consumption and minimize liability risks if you are the only one providing alcohol.
- Plan for safe transportation: Keep cash for cabs on hand or hire a driver (or a friend) for the evening to pick people up and take them home.
- Prep for guests: Let people know they are welcome to stay if needed.
- Take the keys if necessary: Don’t hesitate to ask for a guest’s keys if you’re concerned about their ability to drive safely.
The consequences are dire
In Alberta, it doesn’t take much to be considered an impaired driver. Individuals with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher are classified as criminally impaired and face serious consequences, including:
- An immediate driver’s licence suspension.
- Mandatory completion of the Planning Ahead course.
- Participation in the ignition interlock program for one year.
Drivers with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 are classified as non-criminally impaired and face penalties including:
- A three-day driver’s licence suspension.
- A three-day vehicle seizure.
For context, a person weighing 120 pounds can reach a BAC of 0.054 — enough to be considered impaired — after just two drinks. After three drinks, their BAC could rise to 0.081, crossing the threshold for criminal impairment.
Remember that since late 2018, federal law permits police officers to demand a breathalyzer test from any driver they lawfully stop, without needing prior evidence of impairment such as erratic driving, the smell of alcohol, or bloodshot eyes.
Driving under the influence of cannabis is also considered impaired driving. According to the Alberta government, drivers suspected of being criminally impaired by cannabis face:
- An immediate 90-day licence suspension.
- A three-day vehicle seizure.
- Mandatory participation in a one-year ignition interlock program and remedial education.
An impaired driving conviction doesn’t just result in immediate penalties; it also leads to a criminal record and long-term consequences. One significant impact is difficulty obtaining affordable car insurance. Convicted drivers are classified as “high risk,” often making insurance coverage prohibitively expensive.
Hosting a big party? Ask about liquor liability insurance
If you are hosting a large party where you don’t feel you will be able to monitor liquor consumption properly, ask your insurance broker or provider about liquor liability insurance. It will assist with the cost of any legal ramifications due to activities that have taken place on your property. It is, however, only good after the fact. The best way to avoid litigation is to prevent an accident from happening in the first place.
If the worst thing happens …
If an incident occurs during your gathering, follow these steps to navigate the claims process:
- Contact your insurance representative immediately.
- Gather documentation, including photos, videos, and the names and contact information of any guests with relevant knowledge of the incident.
- Let your insurer handle discussions with the claimant to avoid misunderstandings or complications.
Trust Lane’s for all Your Alberta Insurance Needs
Insurance brokers such as those of us at Lane’s are able to negotiate all kinds of coverages that may be offered through regular insurance agencies. We work for you, not for the companies, so we have shared interests when it comes to finding you the best home insurance available. Contact us at 403.264.8171 today.
