St. Patrick’s Day is one of the busiest and riskiest days of the year for pubs and taverns. Revelers pack into bars to celebrate, leading to an increase in intoxicated patrons, crowd-related accidents, and property damage. The statistics are staggering — in 2020 more than a third (36%) of crash fatalities involved a drunk driver. With alcohol-related incidents so high, pub and tavern owners must take proactive steps to protect their businesses.
Insurance agents play a key role in helping pub owners prepare for these heightened risks. By ensuring their clients have comprehensive bar and tavern insurance, agents can help protect them from major financial and legal liabilities.
Before diving into the specific risks of St. Patrick’s Day, it’s crucial to highlight the types of insurance coverage that bars and taverns need to mitigate financial exposure:
General liability insurance: Covers injuries and property damage occurring on the premises
Liquor liability insurance: Protects against claims resulting from alcohol-related incidents, including overserving liability
Property insurance: Covers vandalism, fire, and accidental damage caused by patrons
Assault & battery coverage: Addresses liabilities arising from fights and altercations
Excess liability coverage: Provides additional protection beyond standard policy limits
Ensuring that pub and tavern owners have these policies in place before St. Patrick’s Day can prevent devastating financial losses from unexpected incidents.
As crowds flood into bars and taverns for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, the likelihood of accidents and injuries increases. Overcrowding, intoxicated patrons, and rowdy behavior create an environment where slip-and-fall accidents become more common, fights and altercations break out due to excessive drinking, and property damage escalates. From broken furniture to restroom vandalism, these risks can create significant financial burdens for bar owners.
For venues without the right bar and tavern insurance, these incidents can lead to costly claims and lawsuits. A single liability case could drain resources and threaten a business's long-term stability.
Excessive alcohol consumption is a defining aspect of St. Patrick’s Day, but it also presents major risks for pub and tavern owners. Overserving customers can result in legal consequences if an intoxicated patron causes a drunk driving accident, engages in a fight, or suffers from alcohol poisoning. Many states hold establishments accountable for the actions of intoxicated guests, making liquor liability coverage an absolute necessity.
Without this protection, bar owners may find themselves responsible for medical expenses, legal fees, and settlements tied to alcohol-related incidents. Given the sharp increase in drinking on St. Patrick’s Day, insurance agents should emphasize the importance of bar and tavern insurance policies that include liquor liability coverage.
When large crowds and alcohol mix, property damage often follows. High foot traffic combined with intoxicated guests can lead to broken tables, chairs, and glassware. Restroom vandalism, graffiti, and stolen decor are also common issues during major events like St. Patrick’s Day. These damages can be costly, especially for smaller establishments that rely on a smooth flow of business to remain profitable.
Without property insurance, pub owners could face expensive out-of-pocket repairs that disrupt their operations. Agents should ensure their clients have adequate coverage to handle these potential damages and avoid financial setbacks.
Beyond insurance, maintaining order during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations requires strategic crowd control and security measures. Pub and tavern owners should have trained security personnel to manage entry, monitor patrons, and handle disturbances. Emergency exits should be clearly marked and unobstructed to ensure safe evacuations if necessary. Responsible serving policies, such as cutting off visibly intoxicated guests and preventing underage drinking, can help reduce liability risks. Surveillance systems also play a key role in monitoring incidents, deterring misconduct, and providing evidence in case of claims or disputes.
Insurance agents can help their clients implement these best practices to reduce liability exposure and reinforce risk-management strategies, ultimately strengthening their overall protection.
With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, insurance agents should proactively review their clients’ policies to ensure full protection. A well-structured bar and tavern insurance program should cover all liability concerns, from liquor-related incidents to property damage and security risks.
At RMS Hospitality Group, we specialize in tailored insurance solutions for pubs and taverns, protecting business owners during high-risk events like St. Patrick’s Day. Contact us today to learn how we can help your clients safeguard their establishments.
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.
