Party liability

[specialk1477]

I am hosting a class reunion.
Many people will be bringing their own alcohol.
Am I liable if someone gets into an accident?
If so, how can I change this?

 

[dee_dub]

Am I liable if someone gets into an accident?

The law on social host liability varies from state to state. I don't know what it is in Michigan - you need to consult with a local lawyer to find out for sure. I understand it's more likely you might be liable if the guest consuming alcohol on your premises is a minor. Adults are thought to be generally responsible for their own decisions.

If so, how can I change this?

Whether you would be held liable depends on whether under the laws of your state you have a duty to take steps to prevent your guests from drunk driving, and whether you failed to discharge that duty. You can't change your liability, but you can fulfill your duty. Exactly how you accomplish that, again, depends on your state law. Perhaps you don't have to do anything; perhaps you can takle keys and not give them back to drunk people; perhaps you can call cabs for drunk alumni.