The Legal Risks Businesses Should Consider Before Hosting Office Halloween Parties
Halloween isn’t just for children. In fact, Americans ranked Halloween as their third-favorite holiday, right behind Christmas and Thanksgiving.But should ghosts and goblins be allowed in the office? Studies confirm that workplace social functions boost morale and teamwork. Unfortunately, they can also provide a breeding ground for liability.
Legal Issues to Consider
For businesses considering a Halloween office party, there are some issues to be “spooked” about. However, establishing clear guidelines and encouraging employees to use common sense can go a long way to managing legal risks. Below are a few tips:
Inappropriate costumes It is important to specify if and when employees are allowed to wear costumes. For instance, companies may want to restrict the wearing of costumes to after work hours. For those that allow workers to dress up in the office, encourage employees to wear work-appropriate costumes and provide a non-exhaustive list of what may be considered unacceptable, such as costumes that are overly revealing or sexually suggestive and costumes that feature realistic weapons.
Don’t require attendance: Social events can help boost employee morale and camaraderie. However, Halloween parties are not everyone’s idea of a good time and could even make workers uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s a good idea not to make attendance mandatory.
Alcohol impairment: Companies who serve alcohol at social functions can be held liable if a guest is injured or hurts someone else due to alcohol impairment. So if you are hosting a Halloween party, you may want to consider holding the event during the day and avoiding alcohol. If it is served, limiting employees to certain number of drink tickets, serving ample amounts of food, and providing a safe way home can mitigate the risk of an alcohol-related incident.
Sexual harassment: The ability to hide behind costumes can encourage employees to engage in bad behavior that could be construed as sexual harassment. Staff should be reminded that they will be held to the same standards of professionalism that apply when wearing normal attire, i.e. pretending to bite someone’s neck is not appropriate.
Insurance coverage: If you are hosting your Halloween party in-house, talk to your insurance carrier about the availability of dram shop insurance or liquor law liability insurance to cover the event. When using an outside facility or caterer, it is important to verify that they have the appropriate insurance to cover any potential liability exposure for your business.
Do you have any questions? Would you like to discuss the matter further? If so, please contact me, Sean Dias, at 201-806-3364.
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Why Office Halloween Parties Frighten Attorneys
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Legal Risks Businesses Should Consider Before Hosting Office Halloween Parties
Halloween isn’t just for children. In fact, Americans ranked Halloween as their third-favorite holiday, right behind Christmas and Thanksgiving.But should ghosts and goblins be allowed in the office? Studies confirm that workplace social functions boost morale and teamwork. Unfortunately, they can also provide a breeding ground for liability.
Legal Issues to Consider
For businesses considering a Halloween office party, there are some issues to be “spooked” about. However, establishing clear guidelines and encouraging employees to use common sense can go a long way to managing legal risks. Below are a few tips:
Inappropriate costumes It is important to specify if and when employees are allowed to wear costumes. For instance, companies may want to restrict the wearing of costumes to after work hours. For those that allow workers to dress up in the office, encourage employees to wear work-appropriate costumes and provide a non-exhaustive list of what may be considered unacceptable, such as costumes that are overly revealing or sexually suggestive and costumes that feature realistic weapons.
Don’t require attendance: Social events can help boost employee morale and camaraderie. However, Halloween parties are not everyone’s idea of a good time and could even make workers uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s a good idea not to make attendance mandatory.
Alcohol impairment: Companies who serve alcohol at social functions can be held liable if a guest is injured or hurts someone else due to alcohol impairment. So if you are hosting a Halloween party, you may want to consider holding the event during the day and avoiding alcohol. If it is served, limiting employees to certain number of drink tickets, serving ample amounts of food, and providing a safe way home can mitigate the risk of an alcohol-related incident.
Sexual harassment: The ability to hide behind costumes can encourage employees to engage in bad behavior that could be construed as sexual harassment. Staff should be reminded that they will be held to the same standards of professionalism that apply when wearing normal attire, i.e. pretending to bite someone’s neck is not appropriate.
Insurance coverage: If you are hosting your Halloween party in-house, talk to your insurance carrier about the availability of dram shop insurance or liquor law liability insurance to cover the event. When using an outside facility or caterer, it is important to verify that they have the appropriate insurance to cover any potential liability exposure for your business.
Do you have any questions? Would you like to discuss the matter further? If so, please contact me, Sean Dias, at 201-806-3364.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
