When you host a holiday party, you may expect the only aftermath to be a messy house. But if you allow guests to drink and then drive home intoxicated, you could be facing a far bigger mess. Under social host liability laws in some states, you could be held responsible for injuries if a guest is involved in a drunk driving accident. Fortunately, you can prevent such tragedies.
In New Jersey, if you invite someone to your home — whether by invitation, email, text message, or opening the door and welcoming them — you are responsible for that person. If you serve them alcohol when they are “visibly intoxicated” and they later cause injuries to a third party, you could be held liable under the social host liability laws of New Jersey.
This means you have a responsibility to ensure your guests imbibe moderately, and if they have too much to drink, it’s your responsibility to make sure they don’t drive.
Planning Ahead
Before the party, as you’re choosing what to serve and what to buy, make plans to prevent your guests from driving home drunk. Remember, you don’t want your guests putting their own health and safety, or the health and safety of others, at risk.
Make sure to give your guests plenty to munch on. By offering snacks, hors d’oeuvres, or an entire meal, you not only help your guests metabolize the alcohol they are drinking but you give them something other than liquor, beer, and wine to put in their mouths.
Offer nonalcoholic drinks to guests. Keep bottled water available and visible, and don’t be afraid to insist that guests have some if they appear to be drinking too fast. Someone who is already intoxicated and demanding more may not even notice if you “forget” to put the liquor in their mixed drink.
Finally, ensure you have contingency plans for those who are intoxicated and want to go home. Call a cab, give them a ride, or contact any one of the many designated driver services in the area.
The National Directory of Designated Driver Services provides county-specific drivers that will ensure your guests (and their vehicles) make it home safely.
If Someone Insists on Leaving Drunk
Getting into a confrontation with someone who is intoxicated can not only be uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. People who are drunk often feel overconfident in their ability to drive, but they are not in the position to make that call. If you attempt to take the keys away from someone who has been drinking too much, you could set yourself up for a fight. Rather than waiting at the door, you can prevent these potentially-ugly exchanges by planning ahead.
Take all guests’ keys as they come in the door. Explain then, or even when you invite them, that you will not allow anyone to drive home if they have been drinking to excess. That way, they know your position and you don’t have to persuade someone to hand over the keys.
The holiday season is one of the most dangerous to be on the road, especially late at night and particularly on New Year’s Eve and into the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. This time of year is for celebration and good times. But people often fail to practice moderation when imbibing at parties, leading to potentially fatal car crashes.
If you take on the responsibility of a holiday party, you are taking on much more than putting out a good spread and offering a place to socialize and have fun; you are taking responsibility for the people who come. Remember to plan ahead and have a safe holiday season!