Greg discusses methods for limiting liabilities during holiday parties in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: Greg Marcyniuk, Heritage Insurance on CHAB's "Ask the Expert" today. And topical, we're talking about liability insurance as the holiday season has arrived and more and more people go out for a little Christmas cheer. Greg, there's potential for some problems.
Greg Marcyniuk: Well, there certainly is, Rob, and what I really recommend is that people do take a look at getting liability insurance, either if you're hosting a Christmas party or if a business is having a Christmas party. Because we're seeing more and more people are suing people. And there have been some fairly serious lawsuits where they have been excess of a couple $3 million, especially when people get killed. And the type of people that do get killed, whether it be a doctor or lawyer or something along those lines, are higher income earners.
But regardless, the biggest thing is that it's best that you know when a person is starting to get inebriated, so I just got a few signs of intoxication.
First of all, if the person has slurred, slowed speech, tendency to lose thought, and red eyes, inability to focus. Decreased alertness as well, and staggering or the inability to walk, and drinking faster than usual, and being overfriendly. And again, like, how much is too much? Under the SMART Program - which any servers in any service club, they recommend - they take it and that's Server and Manager's Alcohol Responsibility Training. They look at [intoxication], first of all, like a traffic light.
So green is a patron that is showing no signs of impairment. They're in a good mood, and they're not drinking rapidly. And you know, they get a green light, so continue to serve them.
Yellow is a patron who's not yet intoxicated, but he's drinking very quickly (or she), and either is in a down mood or out to celebrate, and maybe showing some signs of impairment. And your goal is to stop serving before a guest does get intoxicated, so you should serve this person with caution.
Red patron or guest is when they're showing signs of intoxication, they may be depressed, aggressive, in a bad mood. They're drinking fast, and seem intent on becoming drunk. So at that point, you do want to stop them.
So, when you are dealing with an intoxicated person, Rob, you should just politely say, "You know, You've had enough." And offer them some food and some non-alcoholic beverage, either soft drinks, coffee, tea, whatever. To act in courtesy can go a long way in preventing an explosive situation. And again, avoid threatening situations such as saying, "You're drunk." Instead, put the focus on yourself in saying, "Look, I don't want to get into trouble here. I don't want to see you driving." And definitely, make sure that they take a cab ride home or there are different service clubs that do provide services, if you do have Christmas party, either at home or with your office that do provide service. So I highly recommend that you get those services in place at the time. I know that's what we do for our Christmas party.
Rob: So, the liability insurance. If I'm at home and having a big gathering for a Christmas party, I can come in and buy insurance for that one night?
Greg: You definitely do, and I do recommend it. The costs do vary quite a bit, depending upon the number of people, the limit of insurance, and what the event is held. But it is very reasonably priced, and I do recommend just in case there may be that one person that decides to go and drive - which unfortunately, people still do that.
Rob: Whether you're hosting as a business, as a company, or just at your house with family and friends, liability insurance, highly recommend it by Heritage Insurance and we can come in and buy it from you anytime.
Greg: That's correct. Corner of Fairford and 1st Avenue, you can talk to any of our fine people here or check it out online at nohassleinsurance.ca.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)