Employer Risk After Holiday Parties

As the holiday season approaches The San Diego Union Tribune featured an article educating the community of the risks companies take when hosting end of the year events that serve alcoholic drinks. The article highlights the ruling of the San Diego division of the California Court of Appeal in the 2013 case of Purton v. Marriott Internat., Inc. The case decided employers may be liable if an employee’s alcohol consumption at the event later contributes to an accident that injures a third party. An employer may be liable even if the accident occurs after the employee arrives home safely and later, while still intoxicated, drives another employee home.