Social Host Liability Law in New Jersey
It’s the holiday season… a time for office parties and social gatherings, often with alcohol served. Unfortunately, there’s always someone who takes in a little too much holiday cheer, gets behind the wheel of a car, and causes a motor vehicle accident. What duties do party hosts in New Jersey have when a guest imbibes too much, leaves, and causes personal injury to another person?
New Jersey Laws Governing Social Host Liability
In New Jersey, as in many states, persons who provide alcoholic beverages at no charge at a social function or party are referred to as “social hosts.” That includes private individuals who host parties, and it includes businesses or organizations that sponsor holiday parties for their employees or other guests.
Unlike most states, though, New Jersey has enacted a specific statute, or written law, governing social host liability when a guest causes injury. The law defines a social host as someone who, either expressly or implicitly, invites a person onto unlicensed premises for the purpose of hospitality. Individuals or entities that hold a liquor license, or who would be required to do so, do not qualify as social hosts.
Under the social host liability statute in New Jersey, a person or entity may be liable for damages if each of the following can be proven in court:
- The host was negligent. There must be evidence that the host acted unreasonably or that the host provided the alcohol in a situation where doing so created an unreasonable risk of harm.
- The guest was visibly intoxicated when served alcohol, acting in a way that showed clear signs of intoxication or inebriation.
- The injuries suffered were caused by the operation of a motor vehicle by the intoxicated guest.
Contact the Law Office of Howard D. Popper
At the Law Offices of Howard D. Popper, we can help protect your rights. For a free initial consultation to discuss your options after you’ve been hurt in a New Jersey accident, contact our office online or call 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have offices in Morristown and Newton.
We handle all personal injury claims on a contingent fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover damages for your losses.