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ARTICLE · 21 DECEMBER 2012

Holiday Parties - What Hosts Need To Know

Lerners LLP
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Hosting a holiday party is a great way to enjoy the festive season and catch up with family and friends. However, if alcohol is being served or consumed at your holiday party, it is even more important for you to be aware of your potential liability as a social host.

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Christopher Dawson
Christopher Dawson
Nigel Gilby
Nigel Gilby
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p>Hosting a holiday party is a great way to enjoy the festive season and catch up with family and friends. However, if alcohol is being served or consumed at your holiday party, it is even more important for you to be aware of your potential liability as a social host. Before planning your holiday event and sending out those invitations, it is a good idea to have a review of the law in Ontario with respect to social host liability. In addition, there is no substitute for consulting a lawyer for legal advice in advance of throwing a party.

The facts and circumstances of each and every party differ and, as such, so does the potential for being liable for the actions of your party guests. A rule of thumb is that it is best to error on the side of caution and avoid as far as is reasonably possible a motor vehicle accident or any other incident occurring as a result of a guest's or employee's intoxication. Taking all reasonable precautions to prevent personal injury is the

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