LITIGATION VALUE: $0.00 – $1,000,000+ (depending on how bad the car accident caused by a drunk Dunder Mifflin employee is)
Having an open bar at an employee party with no way to limit alcohol consumption is not a great idea. Hosting a “booze cruize” on the Lake Wollenpaupack Princess in January with no way to limit alcohol consumption is a downright terrible idea. Making the party mandatory, calling it “leadership training,” and refusing to tell employees about the location ahead of time so they can arrange safe transportation home? I smell punitive damages. Well, at least in those states that recognize “social host” liability.
I’m not saying that you can’t have alcohol at a company-sponsored party. You can. But some steps should be taken to limit the company’s exposure. Some tips to avoid liability? Arrange free transportation services for those who over-imbibe; use drink “coupons” to limit the amount of alcohol served to each person; and assign a few responsible folks to monitor the evening. As you might have guessed, saying those things doesn’t make employment law attorneys and human resources the most popular party guests. Was it just me or did anyone else notice that Toby was not at the party?
