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Liquor Liability Insurance

Coverage for claims that your business is responsible for harm caused by someone it served or sold alcohol to. Standard general liability usually excludes this, so a restaurant or bar needs it separately.

We shop the market for you, no broker fees

  • Markel

    Liquor liability

  • Kinsale

    Hospitality excess and surplus

  • Great American

    Specialty casualty

  • The Hartford

    Restaurant packages

  • Society Insurance

    Bars and restaurants

  • Philadelphia Insurance Companies

    Hospitality programs

  • Travelers

    Hospitality liability

  • AmTrust

    Restaurant packages

Built for businesses that serve alcohol

  • Restaurants where alcohol is part of the menu
  • Bars, breweries, and tasting rooms
  • Caterers and event venues serving drinks
  • Hosts of a one-day event where alcohol is served

What changes your premium

There is no flat rate for this coverage. These are the inputs a carrier prices against, and they are the same things the quote form asks you for.

  • Your class of business and what you actually do day to day
  • Annual revenue, and payroll where the line rates on it
  • How many people work for you, including subcontractors
  • Where you operate, down to the ZIP and the building
  • The limits and deductible you choose
  • Your claims history over the last three to five years

How it works

  1. 10 minute form

    A few questions about your business or home.

  2. We shop the market

    We compare carriers and read the forms line by line.

  3. Pick the best policy

    We explain what is covered, what is not, and what it costs.

Text us. We're by your side.

13:19
506

Menlo Agent

  1. Today, 9:41 AM
  2. Our lease for a second location starts September 1. Does our current policy cover it?
  3. Not automatically. Send me the address, square footage, operations, contents value, and move in date. I will ask the carrier to add it before you take possession.
  4. Sending the lease details now.

  5. Received. The location was added effective September 1. Your updated policy is ready.

    View updated policy

    menloinsurance.com

What this policy covers

Injury caused by an intoxicated patron

Bodily injury or property damage a third party suffers because you served or sold alcohol.

Legal defense

The cost of defending a dram shop claim, which can be significant even when the claim is disputed.

Assault and battery, when included

Some policies extend to fights connected to alcohol service, though this is often a separate grant or sublimit.

Settlements and judgments

Covered damages you become legally obligated to pay, up to your policy limits.

Frequently asked questions

What is liquor liability insurance?

It covers claims that a business is responsible for harm caused by someone it served or sold alcohol to. If an intoxicated patron later injures a third party, a dram shop claim can name the business that served them, and this coverage responds to those claims and their defense costs.

How much does liquor liability insurance cost?

Cost depends on your alcohol sales as a share of revenue, the type of venue, your hours, and your loss history. A restaurant where alcohol is a small part of sales usually pays less than a bar or nightclub. We quote it against how you actually operate.

What is dram shop liability?

Dram shop laws let an injured third party hold a business liable for serving alcohol to someone who was already intoxicated or underage and then caused harm. California's rules are narrower than many states, but exposure exists, especially around serving minors, and contracts and venues often require the coverage regardless.

Does a restaurant need liquor liability insurance?

If it serves or sells alcohol, yes, in most cases. A general liability policy usually excludes or limits liquor-related claims, so a restaurant, bar, or brewery generally needs liquor liability to fill that gap. Landlords and event venues frequently require it too.

Isn't liquor liability included in my general liability policy?

Usually not. Standard general liability contains a liquor liability exclusion for businesses in the business of manufacturing, selling, serving, or furnishing alcohol. That is exactly why a separate liquor liability policy or endorsement exists. We confirm where your GL ends and this begins.

Can I get liquor liability for a one-day event?

Yes. Special event or host liquor policies cover a single event where alcohol is served, such as a wedding or fundraiser. The venue often requires it. Tell us the date, venue, and whether alcohol is sold or served, and we place the right form.

Does this policy cover your own property and injuries?

Damage to your premises and injury to you or staff fall under property and workers compensation.

Does this policy cover assault or battery when excluded?

Many liquor policies exclude fights unless assault and battery is specifically added back.

Does this policy cover serving to a minor knowingly, or illegal acts?

Deliberate illegal service can be excluded, depending on policy wording and state law.

Does this policy cover liquor sold without the required license?

Coverage generally assumes you hold the proper license for how you serve.

Get a liquor liability quote

Tell us your venue type, alcohol sales, and hours, or the details of a single event. We compare carriers and place the right form.

Talk to a specialist