Serve Confidently. We’ve Got You Covered.

Comprehensive coverage for bars, restaurants, and events — because even one incident shouldn’t put your business at risk.

Why You Need Liquor Liability

Running a bar, restaurant, or event where alcohol is served is full of great moments—until one bad decision turns everything upside down. When alcohol is involved, accidents and lawsuits can happen fast, putting your business and finances at serious risk.

Most general liability policies don’t cover alcohol-related incidents. That means if an intoxicated guest causes an accident or disturbance, you could face the costs alone.

With IDR Insurance, you’re protected. Our liquor liability coverage is designed to safeguard your business from the risks that come with serving alcohol—so you can keep the good times rolling safely.

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Liquor Liability Coverage Options

Protect your bar, restaurant, catering service, or event venue from alcohol-related risks and costly liability claims with IDR Insurance.

Liquor Liability

Safeguard your business from alcohol-related bodily injury and property damage claims with IDR Insurance.

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Liquor Liability

Safeguard your business from alcohol-related bodily injury and property damage claims with IDR Insurance.

Covers claims related to overserving or improper alcohol service.
Both on-premises and off-premises incidents may be included, depending on your policy.

Host Liquor Liability

Tailored protection for those who serve alcohol but aren’t in the business of selling it.

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Host Liquor Liability

Tailored protection for those who serve alcohol but aren’t in the business of selling it.

Short-term coverage for weddings, fundraisers, and office parties — ideal when alcohol is complimentary or BYOB.

Assault & Battery (A&B)

Protection against claims arising from altercations or forcible ejections on your premises.

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Assault & Battery (A&B)

Protection against claims arising from altercations or forcible ejections on your premises.

Often excluded from standard policies unless added as extra coverage — essential protection for nightlife venues.
May include incidents involving bouncers or security staff, depending on your policy.

Defense Costs

Includes coverage for attorney fees and legal defense expenses related to covered claims.

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Defense Costs

Includes coverage for attorney fees and legal defense expenses related to covered claims.

Provides coverage even for claims that are unfounded.
Options for defense costs outside policy limits may also be available.

Damage to Premises Rented to You

Comprehensive fire liability protection for businesses operating in leased properties.

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Damage to Premises Rented to You

Comprehensive fire liability protection for businesses operating in leased properties.

Often required by leases, this coverage protects against damage you may cause to rented spaces.
Standard sublimits apply, but higher limits can usually be added.

Third‑Party Injury & Property Damage

Protects your business against claims related to alcohol-intoxicated guests.

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Third‑Party Injury & Property Damage

Protects your business against claims related to alcohol-intoxicated guests.

Protection for claims of injuries or property damage, whether on-site or off-site.
Examples include guest altercations, falls, or post-departure incidents.

Medical Payments

Protect your guests—and your business—with no-fault medical coverage for injuries.

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Medical Payments

Protect your guests—and your business—with no-fault medical coverage for injuries.

Pays for small medical bills resulting from guest injuries, regardless of fault; coverage limits are subject to policy terms.

Additional Insureds & Contracts

Ensures your business meets all venue and landlord insurance obligations.

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Additional Insureds & Contracts

Ensures your business meets all venue and landlord insurance obligations.

Add landlords, venues, and event partners as Additional Insureds.
Options include Primary & Noncontributory coverage and Waiver of Subrogation.

Special Event Liquor

Short-term coverage available for 1–3 days, ideal for festivals, pop-ups, and temporary events.

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Special Event Liquor

Short-term coverage available for 1–3 days, ideal for festivals, pop-ups, and temporary events.

Flexible coverage limits and fast certificate issuance for venues.
Includes a host liquor option for single events.

Hired & Non‑Owned Auto

Provides protection for risks associated with delivery services or valet operations.

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Hired & Non‑Owned Auto

Provides protection for risks associated with delivery services or valet operations.

Extends liability coverage to employee-owned or rented vehicles used for business purposes.
Ideal for catering, delivery, or valet operations.
Protects your business when staff use personal or rented autos on the job.

Who Needs This Coverage

Bars, Pubs & Taverns

The main risks for your business stem from serving alcohol on-site and operating during late hours.

Restaurants Serving Alcohol

When your establishment serves beer, wine, or a full bar, liability rests with the business, even though servers handle the alcohol.

Nightclubs & Lounges

Events with live entertainment, large crowds, or bottle service present higher liability exposure.

Hotels, Resorts & Casinos

Coverage includes risks associated with on-premises bars, banquet service, room service, and minibars.

Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries

Coverage includes tasting rooms, tours, festivals, and events held off your premises.

Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores

Off-premise alcohol sales can create liability exposure. Implementing strict ID verification and staff training is critical for protection.

Caterers & Mobile Bartenders

Temporary bar operations at weddings, corporate events, or pop-ups can create significant liability risks. Coverage is available to protect these events.

Event Venues & Banquet Halls

Serving alcohol, including BYOB events, can expose your business to liability. Proper coverage is essential.

Festivals, Fairs & Special Events

One-day or short-term events typically need temporary alcohol liability coverage to ensure proper protection.

Private Clubs & Social Organizations

Coverage includes risks associated with serving alcohol to members and guests at clubhouse bars or organized functions.

Grocery & Convenience Stores

Beer and wine sales may introduce risks not covered under a typical general liability policy.

BYOB Restaurants & Venues

Permitting on-premise alcohol consumption can expose your business to liability risks. Proper coverage is essential.

Nonprofit & Charity Events

Events such as galas and fundraisers with alcohol service can create liability exposure and should have dedicated coverage.

Don't see Your Business?

IDR Insurance also provides coverage for additional business types not listed here.

Liquor Liability Insurance Made Simple

Safeguard your bar, restaurant, catering service, or event from claims and lawsuits related to alcohol.

  • Third-Party Injury & Property Damage – coverage for accidents on or off your premises

  • Dram Shop & Host Liquor Options – tailored protections whether alcohol is sold or provided

  • Custom Solutions for Bars, Restaurants & Events – coverage designed to fit your operations

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Expert Guidance Whenever You Need It

Explore the IDR Insurance Resource Center for answers to your questions, the latest industry insights, and helpful tools to navigate your insurance and financial decisions.

File A Claim

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Modify contact, coverage, or account details.

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Policy Review Request

Request a full review of your current policy.

Schedule A Call

Book a call with your insurance advisor.

Why Businesses Trust IDR Insurance for Reliable Coverage

  • Quick, personalized quotes tailored to your business needs

  • Affordable plans with flexible coverage options

  • Experienced IDR agents who understand small business challenges

  • Responsive claims support when you need it most

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Frequently Asked Questions

Coverage for claims involving injury or property damage linked to alcohol service, sale, or provision, such as incidents caused by an overserved guest.

Liquor Liability vs. Host Liquor Coverage

  • Liquor Liability: For businesses that sell or serve alcohol as part of their operations, such as bars, restaurants, and caterers.

  • Host Liquor: For those not in the business of selling alcohol—like company parties, weddings, or events where alcohol is provided but not sold.

Typically, no. Most general liability policies exclude alcohol-related claims for businesses that sell or serve alcohol. A separate Liquor Liability policy or endorsement is required to ensure proper coverage.

Dram Shop laws make businesses responsible for serving alcohol to intoxicated or underage patrons. Since these laws vary by state—impacting underwriting, limits, and pricing—IDR Insurance tailors your coverage to meet your state’s requirements.

Assault & Battery coverage is commonly excluded from standard policies. Adding it is critical for venues with live entertainment, crowded events, or on-site security.

Coverage differs by policy. Defense costs may be paid inside the liability limit—eroding your coverage—or outside the limit. We help you understand your choices.

Typical Coverage Requirements
Many contracts request:

  • $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate limits

  • Endorsements such as Additional Insured (AI), Primary & Noncontributory (P&NC), and Waiver of Subrogation

Requirements can vary depending on the agreement, and IDR Insurance helps ensure your coverage meets contract specifications.

Typical Coverage Requirements
Many contracts request:

  • $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate limits

  • Endorsements such as Additional Insured (AI), Primary & Noncontributory (P&NC), and Waiver of Subrogation

Requirements can vary depending on the agreement, and IDR Insurance helps ensure your coverage meets contract specifications.

Providing free drinks or allowing BYOB can still expose your business to liability. One-time events may be covered by Host Liquor, but recurring alcohol service typically requires full Liquor Liability coverage.

Liquor Liability underwriting considers alcohol sales, operating hours, entertainment, security and staff training, claims history, state regulations, and requested limits including A&B coverage.

Typical underwriting requirements include a valid liquor license, incident/ejection logs, alcohol service policies, staff training documentation, security plans, and compliance with venue or landlord insurance requirements.

Liquor Liability generally excludes intentional acts, knowingly serving minors, employee injuries (Workers’ Comp), auto-related incidents, fines/penalties, and claims outside policy terms.

Once underwriting is approved, COIs can often be issued the same day. Submit the venue’s requested endorsements (AI, P&NC, Waiver of Subrogation), and IDR Insurance will provide the certificate promptly.