Does Serving Alcohol at an HOA Event Create Legal Liability?

In this HOA Q&A, attorney Michael Kushner explains when an HOA can face liability (for resulting injuries or deaths) for serving alcohol at an HOA-sponsored event, and why most HOA-sponsored gatherings remain protected under Civil Code § 1714. This segment clears up a common misconception about fees, alcohol service, and third-party injury claims. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ When an HOA is protected as a social host under Civil Code § 1714.✅ The single circumstance where social host protection may be lost even if the HOA charges a fee to attend.✅ How Civil Code § 1714 and Business & Professions Code § 25602.1 interact in HOA events. Kushner explains that liability for alcohol-related injuries does not turn on whether an HOA charged a fee to attend an event. Under Civil Code § 1714, furnishing alcohol is generally not the legal cause of injury. Instead, liability will typically only arise in the narrow circumstance where alcohol is knowingly furnished to a minor. Absent a minor, HOA events where alcohol is served to adults probably remain protected under California social host laws, even if a fee is charged.  🎧 📞 If you enjoyed this Q&A, please like and subscribe to HOA HELL. Listen on YouTube at @hoahellpodcastofficial or wherever you get your podcasts. To schedule a consultation, visit https://mbkchapman.com/ and mention the HOA HELL discount. Disclaimer:  This content constitutes attorney advertising.  The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by listening to this podcast, submitting a question, or receiving a response. Always consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation. MBK Chapman and Michael Kushner disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this podcast.  This communication does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.  About:  Michael Kushner created and taught the systems now used by the biggest law firms in the state focused on HOA litigation. Managing partner of MBK Chapman, and author of the best-selling book, HOA HELL, Kushner teaches homeowners how to fight their bad HOAs and win. 💥 Amazon [https://tinyurl.com/tx47hmvn] | Barnes & Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/hoa%20hell] https://youtube.com/shorts/06EzUApDg3o #DavisStirlingAct #CaliforniaHOA #HOAhell #badHOA #socialhost 🔥 HOA Hell Attorney Michael Kushner, California’s #1 homeowner-side HOA lawyer, shares real legal tools to help homeowners fight back and win against Bad HOAs.👉 Got an HOA nightmare? Submit your question at [email protected]. Or learn more about your rights as a homeowner by visiting: https://www.mbkchapman.com/fact-sheets. 📲 Follow us on:Instagram: @mbkchapmanpc YouTube: HOA HellLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbk-chapmanFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MBKChapmanX:  https://x.com/MBKchapman Reddit:  https://www.reddit.com/r/hoa_hell/