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ARTICLE · 15 AUGUST 2020

Social Host Liability In Canada And What Steps A Responsible Host Can Take To Limit The Risks Caused By Intoxicated Guests

CLC (Canadian Litigation Counsel)
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A recent British Columbia Supreme Court decision provides new insight into host liability when intoxicated guests are injured, or injure another person, after leaving a party.

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Brownlee LLP
Brownlee LLP

A recent British Columbia Supreme Court decision provides new insight into host liability when intoxicated guests are injured, or injure another person, after leaving a party.

In McCormick V. Plambeck, 2020 BCSC 881, the Court found that event hosts Stephen and Lidia Pearson took reasonable measures to ensure the safety of the guests at their 16-year-old daughter's party. Even so, two intoxicated minors consumed alcohol and cannabis prior to leaving the party, then stole and crashed a neighbour's car. The crash fatally injured one of the occupants and seriously injured the other.

The survivor of the crash sued the Pearsons claiming they failed in their responsibility as event hosts to provide duty of care.

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