The impact of the COVID pandemic of 2020 continues to affect the hospitality industry. Few could have anticipated the labor challenges that were created and continue to persist. Unfortunately, we are beginning to see the impact of this ongoing labor shortage on our claim activity.
Years ago, a police officer/TIPS trainer told me “Million-dollar decisions are made by minimum wage employees.” His point was based on who is deciding, in the last hours of the evening, whether to serve a patron one more drink. He noted that the bartender or server at that time of the evening was rarely the owner or manager. The consequences involved with the decision to serve “just one more” can be tragic.
As businesses struggle to find people willing to work in the hospitality industry, they sometimes can become desperate and will hire anyone who can show up to work. ICC has recently experienced several large claims that resulted from very poor decision-making by employees:
Business owners must be extra diligent with new employees during these challenging times. If not already in place, consider adding video surveillance to help keep “eyes” on the place when owners can’t be there.
Alcohol server training and other courses are available through ICC and Katkin. Reach out to OnTAP@ilcasco.com to schedule an OnTAP server training or visit www.katkinco.com for other available in-person or online courses.