Duty of care over the Festive season
- Wave Staffing Editor
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Event organisers, venues and even private residences have a clear legal and ethical duty of care when holding festive events, especially where alcohol will be served and guests may become intoxicated.
This responsibility extends to protecting guests, staff, and the public from foreseeable harm by taking reasonable steps to manage risks.
Understanding the Duty of Care
The duty of care refers to a venue or organiser’s legal obligation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone attending the event. At festive occasions such as Christmas parties, the combination of celebratory atmosphere and alcohol consumption can heighten risks, making proactive planning essential.
Key principles include:
Preventing foreseeable harm from overconsumption of alcohol.
Ensuring safety measures are in place for all attendees, whether sober or intoxicated.
Complying with applicable licensing laws, health and safety regulations, and insurance conditions.
Risks Associated with Festive Events
At seasonal gatherings, the risks linked to excessive drinking can include:
Physical accidents from slips, trips or falls.
Aggressive or antisocial behaviour.
Alcohol poisoning and medical emergencies.
Guests attempting to drive while impaired.
Damage to property or disruption to neighbouring premises.
Recognising these risks early allows organisers to put safeguards in place before the event begins.
Preventative Measures for Organisers and Venues
Responsible Alcohol Service
Train all bar staff in responsible serving practices, including recognising signs of intoxication.
Offer non-alcoholic alternatives and free water stations to encourage pace in drinking.
Limit promotions that may encourage excessive consumption, such as “all-you-can-drink” packages.
Licensing Compliance
Ensure the event complies with licensing laws regarding hours of alcohol service.
Have sufficient trained staff to monitor compliance and safety.
Keep detailed incident logs in case of disputes or legal challenges.
Guest Safety and Welfare
Provide clear signage for facilities, exits, and safe transport options.
Arrange secure cloakroom facilities to prevent theft.
Have first aiders on-site and a designated area for guests feeling unwell.
Use security staff or stewards trained to manage intoxicated individuals gently but firmly.
Transport and End-of-Night Planning
Encourage guests to pre-book taxis or use public transport.
Work with local taxi firms to ensure cars are available at closing time.
Consider shuttle bus services for larger events, especially where parking is limited.
Protecting Staff and Other Guests
Duty of care extends beyond intoxicated individuals to everyone in attendance:
Ensure staff have clear procedures for refusing alcohol to highly intoxicated guests.
Provide staff with training in conflict de-escalation.
Maintain adequate lighting, safe floor surfaces, and clear walkways throughout the venue.
Staff should also be briefed on who to contact in emergencies, and supervisors should be present at all times to coordinate responses.
Legal and Financial Consequences of Neglecting Duty of Care
Failure to uphold duty of care can result in:
Civil liability claims for injury or harm caused to guests.
Fines or loss of alcohol licence for breaching licensing laws.
Reputational damage impacting future bookings.
Insurance policy invalidation if risk management protocols are not followed.
This makes rigorous safety planning not only a moral obligation but a sound business practice.
Conclusion
Festive events should be enjoyable occasions where guests can celebrate safely.
By recognising the heightened risks of alcohol-fuelled festivities, venues and organisers can meet their duty of care through responsible planning, staff training, and clear safety protocols.
Effective management protects guests, reduces incidents, and ensures the event’s success while safeguarding the business’s reputation.
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