Alcohol, Passengers And Your Liability By Carmen Daecher

The mix of alcohol and passengers can create real headaches for you and your drivers unless you take some action in advance to head off trouble. Alcohol consumption on board a coach is one of those charter operation realities that demands your attention. Passenger abuse of alcohol ranks right at the top of issues that cause problems and even create lawsuits. One solution is to create policies and do advance work with clients. This can reduce or prevent problems.

While it is impossible to foresee every possible situation, some issues lend themselves to general guidelines. Thus, if your company permits consumption of alcohol on charter trips (where legal), you should consider implementing the sample policy statement and guidelines presented here:

  1. The group must provide its own alcoholic beverages; the company shall never become an intermediary, purchasing agent or provider of alcoholic beverages.
  2. The group should be advised that it is responsible for placement of containers and dispensing equipment so as not to block any aisle, and secured so that no safety hazard exists nor any damage occurs to the coach and its interior.
  3. A security deposit for post trip clean up may be required, tocover the cost of any extraordinary cleaning that might be necessary; the deposit should be returned when the coach is returned reasonably clean and orderly.
  4. The group is to be advised that it is responsible for maintaining adequate provisions for the disposal of cans, bottles and other litter.
  5. The group is to be advised that any passenger who becomes intoxicated and places the safety of others and the trip in jeopardy is subject to action including removal from the trip, or alternatively, trip cancellation and return to point of origin.
  6. En route stops for the purpose of purchasing additional alcoholic beverages are strongly discouraged and are prohibited when within 2 hours of the destination.
  7. The group should be advised that if they are going to consume alcohol, they must do so responsibly. We cannot determine the sobriety of, nor can we accept responsibility for, members of the group either during or at the conclusion of the trip.
  8. Advise the group prior to acceptance of the charter or trip of these rules and standards; provide a copy to and have the group leader sign a copy of them to acknowledge awareness and agreement.

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