For Immediate Release Contact: Jennifer Harris
December 3, 2014 (512) 773-7168
Social host liability tips can ensure your parties, guests shine, not sue
AUSTIN, TEXAS –Office parties and social gatherings will dot calendars between now and the New Year, and with these festive occasions come the threat of lawsuits. Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) organizations across Texas are urging party hosts to keep liability in mind as they plan celebrations that involve libations.
“By keeping a few simple tips in mind, you can keep a lump of coal or a lawsuit out of your stocking and make sure your holidays shine,” said Diane Davis of East Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse (ETALA). “If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, make sure you are taking responsible measures to create a safe and liability free holiday season.”
“In our overly litigious society, it could be lawsuits, not eggnog that is served at your holiday party,” said Jennifer Harris of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse of Central Texas (CALACTX). “By thinking through things like transportation and simple safeguards to keep guests from overindulging, your holiday party can shine, and you can avoid getting sued.”
The following tips are holiday suggestions for keeping a lawsuit out of your stocking:
For parties in your home, plan transportation for your guests, including designated drivers or cabs for a safe ride home, and have ample and appealing nonalcoholic beverages for your designated drivers;
For office parties, consider a bus or taxi service for your employees;
Avoid providing a self-service bar, opting instead for a bartender well-versed in identifying underage and intoxicated drinkers;
Halt the flow of alcoholic beverages long before the party ends; and
Take action if a guest does overindulge, arranging for transportation home.
“A few common sense steps can help ensure holiday parties are memorable but safe from lawsuits,” said Connie Scott of Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (BACALA). “Stopping lawsuit abuse starts with each of us taking responsibility and using common sense.”
“By encouraging partygoers to take personal responsibility for their own actions, you can help curb lawsuit abuse this holiday season,” said Hazel Meaux of Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse (TALA). “Holiday festivities shouldn’t be dampened by the threat of a lawsuit.”
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CALA is a grassroots movement of people concerned that lawsuit abuse hurts Texas families and Texas employers and can ultimately cost jobs and limit access to all types of goods and services. With more than 25,000 supporters, the CALAs are a community-based movement dedicated to educating the public about the cost and consequences of lawsuit abuse, challenging those who abuse our legal system, and returning common sense and fairness to our courts.
Launched in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley in 1990, the CALA movement has spread throughout the state, with chapters in East Texas, Central Texas, Corpus Christi, as well as the Valley, and across the country.
