Backyard BBQs & Bad Decisions
A Good Host Plans the Menu, but a Great Host Plans for Safety
Summer in New Mexico means sunshine, sizzle on the grill, and good times with friends. But before you break out the beer pong table and load the cooler with your favorite drinks, let’s talk about something that isn’t quite as fun as grilled corn and music under the stars: social host liability . Yes, that uninvited guest who might crash your party ( sometimes literally ). Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that nearly 29% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers, and this percentage rises during the summer months. If you’re hosting a summer gathering and someone drinks a little too much, things can get messy fast. WHAT COULD GO WRONG? Friends are laughing, drinks are flowing, and the food smells amazing. Then someone gets behind the wheel after one too many and ends up in an accident. What happens next? Unfortunately, the answer may involve you. In New Mexico, party hosts can be held legally responsible if they overserve a guest who later causes harm. That includes drunk driving accidents, fights, and injuries, whether they happen on your lawn or miles away. Even if you think, “I was just being generous with the drinks,” the law might not be so forgiving. Hosting isn’t just about planning the menu but also about keeping people safe. HOSTING SMART DOESN’T KILL THE COOKOUT. The good news is that you don’t have to cancel your summer bash to stay out of legal trouble. A few smart moves can help you enjoy the fun and protect yourself: 1. Keep an eye on your guests. If someone’s clearly had too much, stop serving them. It’s awkward, sure, but better than calling an ambulance (or your lawyer) later. 2. Offer food and non-alcoholic drinks. Keep the snacks and water flowing. Coffee is great for the end of the night,
but it doesn’t sober anyone up. Let’s ditch that myth once and for all. 3. Start a ride plan early. Talk about designated drivers before the first round. Rideshare apps or a sober friend can save lives and lawsuits. 4. Ease off the alcohol as the night winds down. Make a smooth transition to dessert and sparkling water. Bonus points for fun mocktails! 5. Have a few crash spots ready. A couch, an air mattress, or even a camping cot is better than someone hitting the road after drinking. CHECK YOUR COVERAGE (BEFORE THE PARTY STARTS). Even if you do everything right, accidents happen. That’s where your homeowner’s insurance might come into play. It may cover things like injuries on your property or even legal costs if a guest causes a crash after leaving your party. However, not all policies are the same, and reckless behavior ( think: hosting a drinking contest ) might leave you unprotected. If you’re planning something big, like a wedding, reunion, or graduation bash, consider event insurance for extra peace of mind. You might also look into an umbrella policy, which kicks in if a claim goes beyond your regular coverage. FUN SHOULDN’T COME WITH REGRET. At the end of the day, we all want to enjoy those sweet summer moments gathered around the grill, laughing under the stars, and making memories. A little planning and awareness can go a long way toward making sure those memories stay good ones. If you’ve had a party incident that turned into something more serious or if you just want to better understand your rights as a host, give us a call. We’re here to help you navigate the legal legwork, so you can get back to the fun. Stay safe out there, and enjoy your summer responsibly!
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