Did You Know? Party Hosts Are Liable For Injuries, Alcohol, & Other Incidents

As the holiday season approaches, many people are gearing up to host festive parties at their homes.

However, before sending out those invitations, it's crucial to understand the legal liabilities you may face as a party host in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma attorney Lashandra Peoples-Johnson of Johnson Cephas Law joined News On 6 to discuss the key liability concerns hosts should be aware of.

Premises Liability

One major area of concern is premises liability. As Peoples-Johnson explained, "Oklahoma for premises liability requires that homeowners and even tenants make reasonable efforts to make sure that their home is safe for those people who are on their property."

This means if someone trips and injures themselves on your property during the party, you could be held liable. "You have to own the property, and you have liability as the social host," Peoples-Johnson stated.

Alcohol Liability

Serving alcohol at a party also comes with its own set of risks. Peoples-Johnson outlined the differences in liability for adult versus underage guests:

"For an adult, the standard is that if you are as a host or so grossly negligent, that you continue to serve alcohol or provide alcohol to a person who is obviously intoxicated, then as a host, you can have liability that precedes the party, for example, a fatality from drunk driving."

However, the liability is even stricter when it comes to minors. "Our social host law puts a lot more liability on the person as a host. The social host law in Oklahoma states that if people are gathered and drinking who are under the age of 21 then the owner of that property is liable, and they are social host."

How To Mitigate Liability Risks

To help limit these liability concerns, Peoples-Johnson suggested considering alternative venues. "There are some tips to limit this alcohol liability, and one is to have your event at a licensed restaurant or a facility or event center."

She also emphasized the importance of reviewing your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure the planned party is covered. "It will give you a cap, depending on what kind of policy you have, of how much the insurance company will cover. So if someone's injured or something happens, then that insurance can come into place to help you cover those expenses if you have met certain requirements."

Lastly, Peoples-Johnson advised researching local noise ordinances and HOA rules to avoid any additional issues after the party is over.

By being proactive and understanding the potential liabilities, hosts can ensure their holiday celebrations are both enjoyable and legally sound.