Why Venues Should Insist on Licensed and Insured Bartenders
As a venue hosting events where alcohol is served, ensuring responsible beverage service is paramount to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for guests. If your venue outsource bar service vs. providing bar service internally, then one critical aspect of this responsibility is selecting the right bartender—preferably one who is both licensed and insured. This applies regardless of whether your renters are hiring the bartenders or if you are hiring an outside company to tend bar.
Let's explore why venues should insist on hiring licensed and insured bartenders and how it helps mitigate risk and protect assets:
License vs. Insurance:
While a bartender's license signifies compliance with your State’s legal requirements for alcohol service, it doesn't provide financial protection in case of incidents. On the other hand, a licensed and insured bartender, provides State liquor law compliance along with financial protection for injuries or damages that may occur.
Mitigating Liability Risks:
In the event of an alcohol-related incident, such as over-serving a guest who leaves your property and gets in an accident, a licensed bartender lacking insurance could leave the venue vulnerable to law suits. By hiring insured bartenders, venues mitigate these risks and ensure that any potential financial losses are covered by the bartender's insurance.
Host Liquor Liability Insurance vs. Liquor Liability Insurance:
Requiring Host Liquor Liability Insurance from your renters is a must but that alone does not provide full protection. The renters Host Liquor Liability Insurance will not protect the venue if there is an alcohol related suit, and the bartender does not have their own Liquor Liability Insurance. To see the difference between the two types of coverage, see our Host Liquor Liability Insurance vs. Liquor Liability Insurance blog article.
Vendor Liability Insurance Compliance:
Most venues require all vendors to carry liability insurance. No matter who hires the bartenders they are “vendors” and a license to serve is not the same as liability insurance.. Insisting on licensed and insured bartenders protects the venue from potential liability claims resulting from alcohol service.
Cost Considerations:
While hiring uninsured bartenders may initially seem more cost-effective, the potential financial ramifications of an incident far outweigh any upfront savings. Investing in insured bartenders is a prudent decision that prioritizes long-term financial security and risk mitigation for the venue.
Finding Insured Bartenders:
To secure the services of insured bartenders, venues should partner with reputable catering companies or professional bartending services. These vendors typically carry comprehensive liability insurance, providing added assurance and protection for the venue.
Insisting on licensed and insured bartenders is a crucial step for venues to mitigate liability risks, protect assets, and maintain a safe environment for guests. By prioritizing the hiring of insured professionals, venues uphold their commitment to responsible alcohol service and safeguard their reputation as trusted event hosts. Don't take chances—insist upon licensed and insured bartenders to protect your venue and ensure successful events for years to come.
Other Resources