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If you are hosting a party you may want to think twice before you ask your guests, "Who wants another beer?" Every year more courts are holding private citizens responsible for the safety and sobriety of their guests. The Insurance Council of New Jersey (ICNJ) reminds party hosts to plan an enjoyable and safe event.

Hosts are beginning to understand the impact that irresponsible drinking can have on their lives, as well as the lives of their guests. What every host must remember is that they are responsible, by law, for the actions and condition of their guests, even after they have left the party.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of liability lawsuits filed against individuals that served alcohol to guests who subsequently drove and were involved in automobile accidents. Party hosts could be subject to a civil lawsuit in which it will be decided whether they should be held liable for a guest's resulting injuries. They could also be held liable for injuries to a third-party who is involved in an accident with an intoxicated guest.

They can however, take several steps to ensure a safe party and to minimize guests' drinking irresponsibly. ICNJ recommends the following smart party planning tips:

If serving alcohol at your party, don't force or encourage your guest to drink. Let them drink at their own pace.
Have non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of food readily available for your guests. Food helps absorb alcohol.
Consider ending the bar after half time. At the very least, you should stop serving liquor at least an hour before guests will start to leave for home.
As host, you should refrain from drinking so you can judge other people's behavior correctly.
In addition, you should make sure that there is at least one designated driver at the party who is available to take people home.
Keep a list of important telephone numbers nearby, such as taxis, the police and the nearest hospital.

Despite precautions and proper planning, there may still be some guests who drink too much. Always assume responsibility for your guests' safety by either calling them a taxi, inviting them to stay overnight or driving them home yourself.

Even responsible hosts, however, may find themselves at the center of a host liability suit. If a suit is filed against you, as the host, your legal defense costs and settlement are covered under the personal liability portion of your homeowners insurance policy. Renters are similarly covered under the liability portion of their renters policy.