With the weather starting to get a little warmer, March is a busy time for restaurant owners as many customers are wanting to get out and enjoy time outdoors. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, many restaurants are seeing an increase in foot traffic because of the alcohol-centered festivities.

Offering alcohol to your customers is a great way to add additional value to your business, but it also comes with a major liquor liability risk. We’ve included some helpful safety tips below. Help ensure your restaurant or bar is prepared for the big rush of St. Patrick’s Day customers this March 17^th.

1) Ensure your liquor permit is up to date

This tip is imperative If running an establishment that serves alcohol. The type of liquor permit you have depends on your establishment and the type of alcohol you sell.

With liquor liability insurance, this policy covers legal fees, property damage, and medical costs if alcohol is served or sold at your restaurant to a visibly intoxicated person who then proceeds to harm others.

Liquor liability insurance provides protection in several scenarios, though not when underage drinking is involved. When a bar, restaurant, or other food service business is sued over an incident related to alcoholic beverage service, this policy can help cover your legal expenses. Expenses such as court costs or a settlement. It can help cover accidental injury, property damage, assault, and battery, or on-the-job drinking.

2) ID your customers when they buy an alcoholic drink

Before serving any alcohol to a customer, make sure to check their driver’s license regardless of how old they look. Be sure to have signs posted around your bar and restaurant enforcing the rule that your staff checks IDs.

Selling alcohol to an underaged customer is a serious offense and can result in fines and jail time. Be sure to protect yourself, your business, and your customers every single time.

3) Don’t forget your liquor liability insurance

We cannot stress the importance of liquor liability insurance because even if you have the right documentation and follow the liquor laws dutifully, unfortunate situations can happen that are out of your control. A rowdy customer can consume too much and cause damages to your business, another customer, or staff member. This leaves you at a loss and liable if you don’t have liquor liability insurance.

At Hertvik Insurance Group, we offer liability insurance to protect our clients who serve alcohol in their restaurant, brewery, or tavern.

4) Always Be Responsible on St. Patrick’s Day

It’s important to be a responsible owner. Unfortunately, if someone has been drinking, they don’t always make the best choices. You are responsible to cut off a customer if they’ve had too much to drink and also not overserve.

As a business owner, you have the right to refuse serve alcohol to anyone who has gone over their limit. If needed, consider hiring additional security for St. Patrick’s Day if you expect a large volume of customers in your restaurant.

5) Safety is the number one priority

The safety of you, your staff, and your customers are your number one priority on St. Patrick’s Day. Therefore, before opening your doors, take the time to make sure everything in your establishment is functioning correctly. Check things like the bathrooms, kitchen equipment and check the safety of your food to prevent customers from leaving with food poisoning or injury from a slip in the bathroom.

Have a backup plan and include your staff in on any updates for the day and give them a refresh on any emergency situation protocols.

Contact Us

Safety at your restaurant is important year-round. We hope these St. Patrick’s Day safety tips help your better prepare for the holiday. As a reminder, Hertvik Insurance Group provides comprehensive and customizable restaurant insurance for all food service professionals. Contact us today for more information.