The Difference between Host and Retail Liquor Liability

As a host of an event that is serving alcohol or a business that is selling it, liquor liability is a must-have. But, you are asking yourself, what type of liquor liability insurance does my business or event need?

When it comes to liquor liability, there are two types. Retail and Host. Host liquor liability protects your business against claims or suits that arise from the incidental selling or serving of alcoholic beverages. It is designed to cover you as a social host.

Retail liquor liability is for businesses that sell liquor for profit. Such as bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and other establishments.

Host liquor liability is purchased along with special event general liability policy. With host liquor liability, it is required and highly recommended to have the individual who is serving to be licensed. Non-licensed individuals serving alcohol may lead to a claim being rejected.

Host liquor liability cannot be purchased on the same day of the event. It needs to be purchased before. In fact, we even recommend that you purchase and activate the general liability with host liquor liability weeks in advance. Why? It would provide you the appropriate amount of time to get the additional insureds certificates completed.

Liquor Liability is excluded from General Liability and must be purchased as a separate policy. It protects against bodily injury and property damage claims for companies that are in the business of manufacturing, distributing, selling, or serving liquor.

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