A licensee is present with the possessor's consent but not for a business purpose, most commonly a social guest. The duty owed is to warn of or make safe known dangerous conditions, without an affirmative obligation to inspect.
The distinction from invitee status turns on the purpose of the visit.
Alternative Names:
Social Guest, Permitted Entrant
Why it Matters?
The absence of an inspection duty is the practical difference, because it eliminates constructive notice as a theory and confines the plaintiff to proving actual knowledge. That makes classification worth contesting where the entrant's purpose is ambiguous, such as a person on commercial premises for a personal errand. States that have abolished the categories apply reasonable care to all lawful entrants, which removes the distinction entirely.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What duty is owed to a licensee?
Why does the classification matter?
