Tips for Hosting Events at Your Inn

Bed & Breakfasts are known for being a wonderful venue for all types of events. Though hosting can be a source of extra income and fun for everyone, it does come with unique risks. Accidents can happen at any time, especially if alcohol and food are thrown into the mix. Here is what you should know if you are hosting events at your Inn.

Liquor Liability

All it takes is a single liquor liabil­ity claim to put your entire business at risk. Liquor liability exposures for owners can stem from selling liquor to underage individuals, overserving patrons and non-compliance with applicable legislation.

A bartender is legally liable for serving alcohol to a patron who becomes intoxicated and then injures a third party. According to the Insurance Information Institute, liquor liability exposure is not limited to those whose primary business is the sale of alcoholic beverages. You are considered a social host if you provide alcohol to individuals in a noncommercial manner. It is important to know the law in your jurisdiction and to take the appropriate steps to control your risk.

Host liquor coverage is intended to cover an occasional “party” situation hosted by the business. It does not cover you if you are in the business of manufacturing, distributing, selling, serving, furnishing, or giving away alcoholic beverages.

Product Liability

If your Bed & Breakfast has an on-site restaurant that caters, food and product liability can be a considerable concern. The potential for food poisoning, contamination, injury, spoilage and allergic reactions is ever-present, making continued guest safety a challenge. In the event that one of your guests becomes ill due to your food, or accidentally ingests a foreign object found in one of your menu items or vending machines, your Bed & Breakfast could face legal ramifications and suffer irreversible reputational damage.

Liability Exposures

As a Bed & Breakfast, you have to manage the safety of employees and guests on a regular basis. Because of the high number of individuals entering and exiting the premises, liability exposures are significant and, when injuries occur at your business, you could be held responsible. Accidents related to slips, trips, falls, swimming pools, balconies and unauthorized access to your building are common and major sources of concern. Something as simple as a wet floor or an uneven surface can lead to costly insurance claims following an incident. When setting up for an event, ensure that there is ample lighting in the hallways and around the house, and nothing that guests can trip or slip on.

Staff and Volunteers

Your staff is vital in order to make an event run smoothly. Without their help, the day probably wouldn’t go as planned and make things a lot more difficult. Before any parties or events, have a meeting with your team and assess all possible scenarios. Provide directions and training when it comes to dealing with crowds, moving furniture, serving food and marshaling the street.

Transportation Management

It’s easy to get caught up in the event itself and forget about the traffic and transportation operation side of things. To efficiently manage the car traffic and parking at your event, there needs to be a plan in place. Take time before each event to map everything out, assess risk areas and create the correct signage for parking. Don’t forget to work with the party host on providing alternative transportation if people have been drinking and intent on driving home.

COVID

It is important to understand that the COVID-19 situation evolves and changes every day. For the most accurate information on COVID-19, closely monitor the CDC and WHO websites. Keep in mind that for each county, there may be different rules in place. To be encompassing of everyone, make sure to provide some COVID-19 prevention supplies at your Bed & Breakfast. Hand sanitizer, disposable face masks and hand-washing stations are strongly encouraged.

To find out more about protecting your business, speak with one of our CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance experts today!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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