Restaurant Insurance

Ownership and operation of a restaurant carries with it special exposures to risk of loss, particularly in the field of third party liability.

Restaurateurs know and accept the responsibilities they are assuming in hosting members of the public and serving them. The legal responsibilities thus change the onus of liability to rest firmly on the restaurant operator.

This “presumption” of liability applies principally to two key areas, both the operation of the premises and to the dispensing of food and drink.

Operation of the Premises and Risk Exposures

The restaurant must be maintained as a safe and harm-free environment. Claims of ‘Slip and Fall’ are on the rise in the restaurant business both in frequency and costs. We want to make sure you have the proper coverage in place and safety precautions in use in place to avoid any injuries and exposures to a loss.

Examine your complete premises for risk exposures, inside and outside of the building. For example, the clearing of ice and snow is a commonly overlooked area and is as much the legal responsibility of the restaurant operator as it is a building owner. While your lease might say it is the job of the landlord to clear the snow, legally, you are both typically ‘on the hook’ in the event of a claim.

Inside your restaurant be sure to have handrails on stairways with more than 3 steps, clean up spills immediately and place “Caution Slippery When Wet” signage over the wet area, clean up loose carpeting and other trip hazards, improve lighting for increased visibility and manage the service of hot food and beverages are amongst some of the multitude of things to keep in mind.

Host Liquor Liability

Liquor is served at a variety of functions and events; dinner parties, birthdays, family or corporate barbeques, weddings, banquets, and charity fundraisers. As an individual or a large corporation, as soon as you become the “host” providing and/or serving liquor, the burden of responsibility to ensure that nothing bad happens as a result of being connected to the supply of that alcohol is placed with you.

‘Host Liquor Liability’ refers to your ‘responsibility’ when you are considered the ‘host’ providing and/or serving liquor to others. In the case of restaurants and establishments hosting these events most serve alcohol, and you must be aware of these stringent responsibilities. ‘Host liquor’ laws apply with even more legalities to your operation. If property is damaged or worse, someone is injured or killed a court of law may determine that you were involved due to you hosting the event where liquor was available. This is a nightmare you don’t want to find yourself involved with.

Courses such Smart Serve and SIPs are mandatory requirements. But beyond the recommendations that those courses provide you having a procedure for offering alternate methods of transportation home for patrons is great service. As well maintain a detailed incident log at the time that the incident happens, recording date, time, witnesses, and details of the incident. These are great due diligence efforts and risk management. Such actions can be excellent cornerstones of a solid defense in the event of a claim.
Let us review your insurance needs and make sure you are protected from any claims resulting from liquor liability.

With Hubbard Insurance Group, you can focus on running your business while we work to get competitive quotes for your consideration. To learn more or get a free quote contact us 905-696-9090 or Toll Free 1-800-900-2009 or better@hubbardinsurance.com. Where you will be Well Advised. Well Protected^TM. ™

Fill out our Get A Quote form and we will begin working on it right away!

Other Insurance Coverages to Consider

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE

Protect your physical assets such as your building, stock, and equipment against loss.

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COMMERCIAL AUTO / FLEET INSURANCE

Your vehicles are your business. We are here to ensure you have the coverage in place to keep your business moving!

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GROUP BENEFITS & LIFE INSURANCE

Coverage for health care, dental care, short term or long term disability, life insurance for any size businesses operation.

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