Social Host Liability: Are You Responsible If Your Party Guest Drives Drunk?

Beer, wine, Vodka, Scotch, Bourbon, Gin, mixers,If you serve him more alcohol, are you responsible if
glasses; everything is all ready for the party. TheUncle Fred hurts himself in a car accident? Are you
guests arrive and the house is filled with friends talkingresponsible if Uncle Fred hurts someone else in a
and laughing.crash?
Then Uncle Fred shows up. Uh-oh. Uncle Fred isThe answer to these questions is an example of how
obviously intoxicated. He slides up to the bar and slursVirginia law seems to lag behind common sense.
out, “I’ll have a beer.”Serving an obviously intoxicated social guest who we
What do you do? You know Uncle Fred drove himselfknow is planning to drive home should expose us to
to your house. You know he is planning to drive home.liability to the guest and anyone s/he hurts in a crash.