Liquor Liability Protection

Liquor Liability Protection is intended solely to protect the Diocese of Paterson, its parishes and other Catholic organizations that participate in the Diocesan insurance program. It covers Liquor Liability exposure for Parish-sponsored events or Diocesan events.

This protection does not apply to any non-parish group or private functions by parishioners or groups of parishioners for events such as wedding receptions, baptismal parties and showers.

Proof of insurance coverage, which must name the Diocese and the Parish as additional insureds, is required for non-parish groups. As an alternative, Special Events Coverage can be purchased from the Diocese of Paterson.

Please see our Special Events page on the left for more detailed information and applicable forms.

Liquor Liability for Non-Parish Groups

If a parish allows an individual or group to hold a non-parish function on the parish's premises, and if liquor is to be sold or distributed, that individual or group must obtain their own Host Liquor Liability Coverage and must show proof of this to the parish.

A Certificate of Insurance naming the parish and the Diocese of Paterson as additional insureds must be submitted to the parish (and retained for one year in the parish).

This Certificate of Insurance must show that the group also has regular Premises Liability Insurance. If the organization cannot obtain this coverage or does not hire a professional bartender or caterer with such coverage, then alcoholic beverages may not be served at the function.