Social host liability applies to persons who furnish alcohol without a license or charge. Most states impose liability only for service to minors, while a minority extend it to visibly intoxicated adult guests.
It is generally narrower than dram shop liability.
Alternative Names:
Social Host Doctrine, Host Liquor Liability
Why it Matters?
The service-to-minors distinction accounts for most social host exposure, and it typically applies regardless of whether the host knew the guest's age in some jurisdictions. Homeowners insurance is the coverage that responds, subject to liquor liability exclusions that vary by policy. Parents hosting gatherings where minors obtain alcohol face this exposure even without directly serving.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How does social host liability differ from dram shop?
What coverage responds?
