Employer-sponsored celebrations (whether held inside the workplace or at another location) can boost employee morale and recognize milestones for the company and employees, but they may also create legal pitfalls for the unwary employer. Employers planning to host parties or gatherings for employees should consider the following tips to help minimize legal liability from employee or third-party claims.
Reduce risks related to alcohol consumption
- Encourage employees to drink responsibly and put such encouragement in writing.
- Try to keep guests from becoming intoxicated.
- Have plenty of food and alternative beverages available.
- Serve alcohol only from a bar staffed by a professional bartender who has been trained to identify an intoxicated guest.
- Do not have “self‑serve” bars or “open kegs” where the guests serve themselves as much or as often as they wish.
- Do not have waitpersons circulating through the crowd with trays of drinks (make the guests come to the bar so that they can be observed by the professional bartender).