Whether you are performing high above the crowd while pouring champagne or wearing a champagne skirt, incorporating alcohol into your act can make for a unique and memorable event! However, when alcohol becomes part of your performance, it is important to understand that there can be more than one type of liability exposure involved.
Before you pop the champagne, let's talk insurance!
Common acts
We recognize that other types of acts exist, but the most common acts we see incorporating alcohol into their performance are:
- Champagne-pouring aerialists: They perform suspended in the air and may pour or serve champagne to guests as part of their performance.
- Champagne skirt performers: They wear a tiered, wearable "skirt" that holds champagne glasses for guests to take.
Regardless of how liquor is incorporated into your act, it is important to know what exactly you are covered for with your insurance policy, and whether you may need supplemental coverage.
SIA's Commercial General Liability coverage
SIA's Performer Policy provides Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage to an individual for performing only. Your policy is designed to cover claims that may arise from your operations such as:
- Injuring an audience member
- Damaging property
- Offending someone
However, SIA's CGL policy includes a Liquor Liability exclusion. This means the policy does not provide coverage for liability arising from the serving, furnishing, selling, or distribution of alcohol. So, if you incorporate alcohol in your performance, you may need an additional policy to be fully covered.
What coverage is needed for serving alcohol?
If you are pouring, serving, furnishing, or otherwise providing alcohol as part of your performance, you will likely need to purchase a separate Liquor Liability or Host Liquor Liability policy. Both are coverages that protect against certain third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage arising from the service or consumption of alcohol, subject to the policy's terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Depending on your operations and where you perform, additional certifications or licenses may also be required. If you are ever unsure who is responsible for the alcohol exposure at an event, it is always worth getting clarification before you perform.
The bottom line
If champagne, or liquor of any kind, is part of your performance, make sure you understand both sides of the exposure before your next event. Make sure everyone involved understands who is responsible for the performance and any alcohol services. When in doubt, ask before you perform! It is much better to understand your coverage ahead of time than to find out too late that something is not covered.
If you have any questions about your performer insurance, we're happy to help! Send an email to info@specialtyinsuranceagency.com or give our office a call at 715-246-8908.
