by Mai-Lin Garcia-Rangel, 12 November 2009

At any company-sponsored party, an employer may be held liable for employees' actions and for injuries incurred.  Also, employees injured at a company-sponsored party may be eligible to receive worker compensation benefits.  To minimize liability when alcohol is a factor, employers should

take steps to incorporate these ideas into their holiday party plans:

• Tell employees that the party is purely a social event and that attendance is voluntary.
• Tell employees that excessive drinking will not be tolerated and that intoxication and inappropriate behavior will be grounds for disciplinary action.
• Hold the party at an off-site location, and use professional bartenders to serve alcohol and monitor consumption.
• Do not provide an open bar.  Instead, provide a cash bar and implement a drink limit per individual, perhaps using a ticket system.
• Do not permit managers or supervisors to buy alcoholic beverages for employees.
• So that drinking is not the focus of the party, provide a variety of entertainment (dancing, games, etc.).
• Hold the party at a location that's easily accessible to public transportation.
• If you hold the party at a hotel, arrange for a block of rooms that employees can reserve at a discount.

Although these suggestions won't eliminate liability, they'll minimize employer risk and promote a holiday season of happiness and safety.