“We’re having a little dinner party this evening with some of our employees. If someone drinks and then has an accident are we covered?”
This was the question a bank client asked me the other day.
The short answer is, yes.
Most bank general liability policies cover “incidental liquor liability” claims. A party, a dinner, a chamber of commerce meeting, a business lunch… all can involve a beer, some wine, perhaps a cocktail. The general liability policy used by most banks does a fine job of covering this exposure. Your bank’s auto insurance could also come into play. Again, most standard policies will provide the right coverage.
Ask your agent to be sure – make sure you have “non-owned auto liability insurance.”
Quick advise, don’t ever charge for the drinks you serve at a party or open house (not that most banks would). If you are going to serve booze at a bank function, let a catering company or the restaurant do the serving and selling. They have the license, the training and the right insurance.
