Summertime Safety Tips, Part 3: Being a Responsible Host

Nothing says summer like a backyard barbecue, right? Just you and your family and friends, enjoying the nice weather and chilling with some dogs and some beers. One of your friends had a little too much to drink. Being a responsible host, you take away the car keys and suggest he spends the night. But he’s determined to get home so he decides to walk. It’s only a few blocks away, after all. However, you learn later that your friend was injured while walking home. Did you know that you could be held responsible for his injuries?

According to New Jersey’s dram shop laws – which hold bars and other places that serve alcohol labile for a patron’s injuries or death – there is something that is called social host liability. This means that a host of party could be held responsible for the injuries or death of an intoxicated party guest. This also means that if one of your intoxicated guests decide to drive home and get into a fatal accident, the family of the victim could sue and recover damages from you.

We all want to have fun during a party and not have any accidents happen. So here’s a few tips to keep in mind if you’re decided to throw a get together with alcohol:

• Make sure any minors at your party are not drinking. Yes, you are responsible for anything they do as well.
• Don’t push people into having alcoholic drinks. It’s not required to have a good time, after all.
• Make fun, non-alcoholic drinks like “mocktails” for those who prefer not to drink.
• If someone is intoxicated, take away the keys. Contact a taxi service or Uber to get him/her home safe. Or just let them spend the night and sleep it off.
• Make sure there’s plenty food available. A full stomach slows down the effects of alcohol.

If you are involved in a drunk driving accident and need an attorney, you’ve  come to the right place. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.