Black Friday is no longer just about shopping sprees. It’s a major event for hospitality venues like sports bars, restaurants, and entertainment hubs. While they’re out snagging deals, customers flock to these establishments to unwind, grab a bite, or enjoy happy hour — creating a prime opportunity for hospitality businesses to capitalize on the surge.
However, this influx also comes with potential challenges, including overcrowding, property damage, and increased risks tied to serving alcohol. Preparing your clients with risk-management and insurance strategies, like sports bar insurance, ensures they are ready for this high-stakes day.
Research shows that many Black Friday shoppers will grab a bite out on the day after Thanksgiving — which isn’t surprising, given the amount of time many people spend in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day. With the influx of customers, there can be additional risks that require proactive risk-mitigation measures for hospitality venues.
A sports bar offering discounted drinks for Black Friday crowds faces a packed environment. Without adequate crowd control, the bar could face slips, trips, and falls leading to costly liability claims. Proactive measures, such as rearranging furniture to create more open space, can also help minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
Sports bars and restaurants should also consider hiring security staff to manage entry points and monitor crowd behavior. Setting up queue systems can prevent overcrowding at entrances or bar counters.
Temporary staff hired for Black Friday may lack proper training. For example, a bartender might overserve a patron, leading to an alcohol-related incident. As such, temporary staff should receive quick yet thorough training on handling high-pressure situations, such as identifying signs of intoxication or managing disputes between patrons.
Businesses should also conduct a walkthrough of the venue before Black Friday. Check for hazards like loose flooring, malfunctioning lights, or unstable furniture to avoid accidents during the event.
Advising hospitality clients on Black Friday readiness begins with understanding policies that protect their operations.
Every hospitality business needs this foundational coverage. It protects against claims involving customer injuries or property damage — common occurrences during busy events. For instance, if a guest trips over a loose mat at the entrance of a sports bar, general liability covers medical expenses and legal fees.
Black Friday is synonymous with celebratory drinks. A bar without liquor liability coverage is vulnerable to lawsuits stemming from alcohol-related incidents, such as an intoxicated patron causing a car accident. This coverage is crucial for any venue serving alcohol.
The rush of Black Friday often requires hiring temporary staff. Workers’ compensation protects businesses in case of worker injuries, such as a server slipping in a crowded kitchen.
For hospitality businesses, Black Friday represents a unique blend of opportunity and risk. Tailored coverage from providers like RMS Hospitality ensures that bars, restaurants, and other venues can operate confidently, knowing they’re protected from potential liabilities.
Insurance agents play a pivotal role in helping these businesses prepare for the holiday rush. Encourage your clients to review their policies and update coverage as needed. For instance, suggesting liquor liability add-ons for a bar hosting a Black Friday happy hour can prevent significant financial exposure. Collaborate with your clients to identify risks, implement risk management strategies, and craft a coverage plan designed for their needs.
At RMS Hospitality Group, our expertly crafted policies are written specifically for the hospitality industry. We offer custom-tailored solutions to meet any venue’s specific needs. For more information, contact our knowledgeable experts today at (888) 359-8390.
At RMS and associated firms, business continues as usual. Our staff is remote-capable and available to handle all partners, brokers, and insureds at the present time.
