Do you need insurance for your UK office opening social event?

Many small UK businesses host informal parties for their staff and clients during the festive season and to celebrate special promotions and events during the year. However, did you know that your new business premises in the United Kingdom may not be covered for such events under your existing business insurance?

Your liability if you serve alcohol to your visitors or employees

If you decide to serve alcohol in your office, you could be held liable for any booze-related incidents. In fact, in the UK you could find yourself on the wrong end of a law suit if any of the following incidents are deemed to have occurred because those involved had consumed alcohol at your party:

• damage to property
• bodily harm
• sexual assault or harassment
• underage alcohol consumption
• drink-driving related accidents

How can alcohol liability insurance protect your business?

Even if the extent of your alcohol serving merely entails a bottle of mulled wine and a few beers in the office after work on Christmas Eve, you must have a Liquor Liability Insurance policy in place.

Your policy will cover any claims made by guests who were injured or who had items of property damaged by other attendees who were intoxicated. This cover also includes legal fees and covers any damages that may be sought and awarded. Although your standard business insurance policy won’t cover alcohol-related incidents, you can generally have it updated to include Liquor Liability Insurance as an additional endorsement.

Another method of getting Liquor Liability cover is to take out a stand-alone special event insurance policy. This may work out slightly more expensive than an endorsement to your existing UK business insurance policy, so have a chat with a good financial adviser to explore both options so that you secure the best deal for your circumstances.

It’s worth noting that, even if you only serve someone one drink at your office bash, you could still be liable for incidents that occur if they go on to paint the town red subsequently. Liquor Liability Insurance will cover you for such eventualities.

In conclusion

If you’re planning on serving your staff or clients with alcohol at an informal social event on your new UK business premises, you must consider taking out Liquor Liability Insurance cover. The extra premium will be a small price to pay for your peace of mind.

For more advice on local law when setting up a UK office, contact the team at Goodwille.