Your liability, responsibility and obligations will vary dependent on the type of event that you hold and the function centre, function venue, function room ofr conference centre in which you hold it. Regardless of what type of event you are running, you should be fully aware of your legal responsibilities.

I’m just having a party

If you are having a party at home you generally don’t need special insurance. Most home insurance policies have a public liability clause that will cover your guests as long as you and your guests are not participating in an illegal activity. If your party isn’t open to the public you shouldn’t need any additional insurance, as soon as you start opening up events to the general public you are in murky waters and you need to check your possible liability level. If you don’t have insurance for your property, or you are a renter, you should consider your insurance options.

Hiring a hall

If you are hiring a venue such as a public hall or community hall, you may require public liability insurance, even if the event isn’t open to the public. Check with the owner of the hall when you hire it. In most cases, halls are owned or managed by local councils or community groups and they will be able to give you guidance as to your obligations. This may also depend on the conference facilities or function facilities available (such as kitchens).

When may I need Public Liability Insurance?

• Festivals – if you are holding a festival type event where the general public are being admitted you will need insurance.
• Selling tickets – if you sell tickets for an event then you will probably need public liability insurance to cover the people attending your event.
• Equipment – if you are hiring equipment or are using privately owned equipment, you should have insurance to cover against damage and injury.
• If you are selling a product or service – you need to make sure you are insured against injury or illness caused by the product or service.
• Incorporated – if you are a corporation, association or business you should always carry current public liability insurance.
• Fireworks – if you are setting off fireworks, legally of course, insurance is an option you should explore, even if the company providing the fireworks are covered.
• Public place – if your event, or part of it, is being held in a public place, check on your insurance needs.

When you shouldn’t need Public Liability insurance

• Venue – if you are having your event in a function centre you shouldn’t need insurance, unless your event is open to the public.
• At home – if the event is in your home and the general public doesn’t have access to the venue.
• Bigger picture – if your event is part of a bigger event, such as a stall within a convention, then you will probably be covered by the organiser’s insurance, make sure you check.
• Private – if your event is being held on the property of a friend and the public doesn’t have access then you should be OK. Make sure your friend’s home insurance is up to date.

Public liability insurance is for coverage in case a member of the general public sues you because of negligence or harm caused by your function. Remember, your insurance may be void if illegal activity is taking place, including sale of alcohol to minors or sale of illicit drugs.