DUIs After Office Parties: Who’s Responsible?

Whether you are celebrating Halloween, Christmas, or a great year in sales, an after-work party can be a great way to bring everyone together and bond the team.  But what happens if someone gets a DUI after drinking at your office party?  Can your business be held responsible if your employees hurt or kill someone after drinking too much at a corporate event?

While a DUI is never a good thing for one of your employees, it can also be bad news for your company.  If one of your workers gets overly intoxicated at a company sponsored event and causes harm or damage to people or property, a company can indeed be held liable.  A DUI is a serious offense, and if a number of people receive DUI citations after your office party, you can find yourself and your company in deep legal water.

Offering alcohol at your office party is not necessarily a bad thing, but you will need to encourage designated drivers or lay on free taxis for the evening to help keep your employees from becoming a DUI risk.  Drink maximums can be effective, unless coworkers decide to share beverages. The best bet is to offer only low alcohol beverages at your party, or eliminate alcohol altogether.

Taking precautions is the best way to prevent DUI charges from affecting your business and your employees.  Speak to your company attorney or hire a lawyer and ask his or her advice.  Take time to plan the party in advance and make transportation arrangements ahead of time.