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Have you decided to serve alcohol at your next party or gathering? It is a difficult decision to make these days. The party host can easily open him or herself up to liability by serving alcohol. This article will give you some options on serving alcohol and tips on cutting your risk and liability.

After you have decided to serve alcohol you must decide how you will serve it. One option is to have a full open bar. This is an expensive option. You will need a well stocked bar and a qualified bartender to run it. Both of these are not cheap but if money is no option, go with an open bar. Your guests will love you but be prepared to pay for taxis if some of your party goers get out of control.

Your next option is a cash bar. With this type of bar your guests will have to pay for all of their drinks. This is a good way to limit your liability because party goers are less likely to drink to excess if they have to pay for it.

The last option is a good compromise between the other two. You can have a limited bar. With a limited bar, you provide wine and beer for the guests free of charge. Select a couple types of beer and a couple types of wine. If they want a different type of beer, a different wine or a mixed drink, they pay for it.

Those are your main options for serving alcohol at a formal party. The most popular option by far would have to be the limited bar but the decision is up to you. In any case, be sure to have a qualified bartender on duty who can keep an eye on your guests and cut them off if necessary. And any time you serve alcohol be prepared to take keys from your guest and call a cab. Its just one of many duties you have as a party host.