Host Liquor Liability Insurance vs. Liquor Liability Insurance

Updated February 6, 2025

Understanding the Difference and Coverage for Alcohol-Related Incidents

There are two types of insurance for when alcohol is served at events: "Host Liquor Liability Insurance" and "Liquor Liability Insurance." Here’s a simple breakdown of each and what they cover:

HOST LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE

This insurance is for people or groups who are not in the business of selling or serving alcohol. It can protect the host of an event if there is an alcohol related incident, like an accident or injury. Host liquor liability is name of the insurance add-on that most venues require from their renters (couples) and it is automatically included in eWed's Liability Insurance policies for no additional cost.

  • Key Points:
    • Coverage: It can cover legal costs, medical expenses, and property damage if an accident happens because a guest drank too much at the event. For example, if an intoxicated guest gets in a car accident injuring someone after drinking at a wedding.
    • Scope: This insurance typically covers the specific event or time period during which alcohol is being served.

LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE

This insurance is for businesses or people who sell or serve alcohol at an event. If you are hiring a bartender or simply having a friend serve drinks at your event, this is the insurance they must have. Liquor Liability Insurance can protect the person serving the alcohol, you, and your venue from potential legal claims and damages resulting from alcohol-related incidents.

  • Key Points:
    • Coverage: It can cover legal costs, medical expenses, and property damage if an accident happens because a guest drank too much at the event. For example, if an intoxicated guest gets in a car accident injuring someone after drinking at a wedding.
    • Scope: This insurance provides broader coverage than host liquor liability insurance and applies to businesses and individuals that sell or serve alcohol. Note that hiring a bartender who works at a bar, does not extend the bars liquor liability coverage to your off-site event.

Important Advice

  • If you’re hosting an event where alcohol will be served, make sure your event liability policy includes host liquor liability insurance.
  • Make sure that whoever is serving the alcohol has their own liquor liability insurance naming you and the venue as additional insureds on the policy.

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