Liquor Liability
Liquor Liability Protection
This Protection is intended solely to protect the Archdiocese, its parishes and other Catholic organizations that participate in the RCAB insurance program. It covers Liquor Liability exposure for Parish-sponsored events or archdiocesan organization events. If a parish intends to use its facilities for a parish-run function, the charge is $135.00 per event/per day and the parish must notify the Office of Risk Management for each occasion. You may notify us by filling out our FORM or by calling us at 617-746-5745.
This Protection does not apply to any non-parish group or private functions by parishioners or groups of parishioners, such as wedding receptions, baptismal parties, showers, etc.
Liquor Liability for Non-Parish Groups
If the parish allows a non-parish function to be conducted on its premises, and if liquor is to be sold or distributed, that individual or group must obtain their own Host Liquor Liability coverage and show proof of same to the parish. A Certificate of Insurance naming the parish and the Archbishop of Boston, a Corporation Sole, must be submitted to the parish (and retained for one year in the parish). This Certificate of Insurance should show that groups also have regular Premises Liability Insurance. If the organization cannot obtain this coverage or does not hire a professional bartender or caterer with such coverage, then alcoholic beverages should not be served at the function.
If there is any question on the application of these guidelines, please contact the ORM.
Host Liquor Liability Request
Please note: Use this form only if your parish is serving alcohol at a parish-sponsored event and you need to add this coverage. If you are serving alcohol and your city or town requires evidence of insurance to issue a permit for a one-day host liquor license, then you will need to request a General Liability Certificate of Insurance
Insurance Coverage for Non-Parish Use of Parish Premises
Many parishes and schools allow non-parish groups to utilize space in parish or school buildings, either as a source of revenue or as a way to aid outside organizations that lack meeting space. Examples include groups that meet regularly, such as Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus or rotary clubs, and one-time events, such as wedding receptions or birthday parties.
We encourage pastors and parish councils to be innovative with the space provided in a parish. However, in order to ensure the safety of the groups involved and to protect the parish from liability, there are certain steps a pastor should take when allowing non-parish groups to use parish premises. The following should be obtained from the group:
- A Licensing Agreement signed by the pastor and the organizer of the group utilizing the space. The parish should keep a signed copy of this agreement in their files.
- Request a Certificate of Insurance from the group showing proof of liability coverage with limits of at least $1,000,000 for general and auto liability, and proof of workers’ compensation insurance. The certificate must also show as additional insureds the parish/school, the pastor, and the Archbishop of Boston, a Corporate Sole.
- Alternatively, if the group does NOT maintain their own insurance, the group must purchase Special Events coverage through our GatherGuard Program.
Purchasing Insurance Through GatherGuard
To purchase special event coverage, advise the group to do the following:
- Go to https://gatherguard.com/
- Click on “Get a Quote” and answer the questions
- Where prompted, enter the venue ID code (See spreadsheet)
- Complete the application
*Please note: certain events are excluded by the Diocesan Special Events Insurance, such as any sporting event, pyrotechnics and explosives, and bouncy houses