Many companies don't realize that they can be liable for injuries caused by employees who drive drunk after an office party (or another company-sponsored event). Even companies that know the risk exists don't fully understand the exact nature of their potential liability and how to manage it.

Certain persons who serve alcohol to guests can be liable for negligence if the guests get drunk and cause injuries to themselves or others. This is called "host liability" and it extends to employers who furnish alcohol to their employees. Where does this law come from? And what does it mean? Let's answer these questions one at a time.[Editor's Note: If you're from Canada, substitute the analysis in the "Canadian Perspective" below for the remaining paragraphs in this subsection and the entire subsection that follows.]

Employer host liability for the drunk driving of workers isn't contained in any OSHA standards or other federal laws. Rather, it comes from state law. It's based on statutes and court cases. Some states, including Florida and Texas, have taken the position that employers should exercise reasonable care to prevent injuries by intoxicated employees. If they don't, they can be held liable.

Social host liability may be based on "dram shop" laws -- or state statutes that prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors and hold distributors responsible for alcohol-related injuries. For the most part, these laws only apply to companies that are in the business of selling alcohol, such as bars or restaurants. But some states have interpreted the law as imposing a legal duty upon social hosts (including employers) to exercise reasonable care when serving alcohol to their guests. In these states, courts have held employers liable for serving alcohol to a minor or an employee who becomes intoxicated and injures himself or someone else.

Good Topic Bob, Espeicially with the x-mas parties coming up. We are gong to my wife's e-mas party on Wednesday. Cabbing in Cabbing out. It is worth the forty bucks. We are splitting the cab with her sister so it is really only $20 to have all the fun you want with no risk.

GET A CAB, ROOM OR CALL FOR A RIDE BUT DON'T DRIVE WHILE DRINKING! 

 easy fix,dont socialize with any company personel,dont drink,and especially dont go out to eat cheeze with the boss,go home........

Well here is something for you  many,many, many yrs ago the MTO ministry of transportation in Ontario had a safe drivers awards party in a nice hotel everyone was waisted me included and then they relised hey we cant let these guys drive home drunk so they picked up all the room charges and refused anyone to leave untill at least 9 am the next day so they could sobber up....

THE MTO KNOWS HOW TO DO IT!!!!