How Businesses Can Avoid a Holiday Hangover of Legal Trouble

Attorney Jeffrey Kroll provides tips for businesses looking to avoid potential liabilities at this season's holiday office parties

Chicago (PRWEB) November 22, 2009 -- Holiday office parties are a common way to boost the morale of employees and celebrate the season as an office. However, these festivities have the potential to become sources of liability for business owners. Statistics from human resource consultants indicate that one-third of holiday parties suffers from some form of employee misconduct. According to attorney and liability expert Jeffrey Kroll (http://www.kroll-lawfirm.com), business owners should be familiar with the liability risks of an out-of-control office party and precautions they can take to avoid it.

"Often in a social environment, people let their guard down and can engage in behavior that you as a business owner may be liable for, from the actions of intoxicated guests to sexual harassment claims," said Kroll. "For example, in Illinois, the social host liability law states that hosts who serve alcoholic beverages can often be responsible for any intoxicated attendees' actions or injuries to some innocent third party."

Often in a social environment, people let their guard down and can engage in behavior that you as a business owner may be liable for, from the actions of intoxicated guests to sexual harassment claims

For example, in Illinois, the social host liability law states that hosts who serve alcoholic beverages can often be responsible for any intoxicated attendees' actions or injuries to some innocent third party.

Keeping an eye on potential liabilities before the office holiday party will make it easier to enjoy the festivities and have a safe and fun celebration

Kroll recommends the following provisions for a safe and festive office celebration.

Make it voluntary. Be sure employees know that attendance to the party is optional. Also make it known that normal office rules and standards apply at the holiday party.

Schedule smartly. Consider having the party on a weeknight when employees and other guests may be less likely to overindulge.

Offer transportation. Alcohol-related injuries are a common fear at holiday parties. Business owners need to find ways to avoid a certain holiday recipe for disaster - alcohol and driving. Set up forms of transportation to and from the party, such a free taxis or a shuttle, or determine several designated drivers in advance.

Serve food during the party. Or, structure the celebration as a sit-down dinner rather than the traditional cocktail party.

Provide drink tickets. To help curb excessive drinking, hand out drink vouchers or tickets. Once employees use their tickets, they can purchase their own drinks or choose a non-alcoholic option.

Hire a bartender. A professional bartender is trained to monitor alcohol intake and courteously cut off anyone who they notice has been overserved.

Make it a family event. Inviting spouses and children can take the focus off the champagne toast and holiday egg nog.

Give a refresher. Refresh your employees' in the company policy on sexual harassment, and remind managers of the rules and what to do if they hear of or witness any sexual harassment.

"Keeping an eye on potential liabilities before the office holiday party will make it easier to enjoy the festivities and have a safe and fun celebration," said Kroll.

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[Via Legal / Law]

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