Hospitality Liability

Protecting Your Rights in Hospitality-Related Legal Matters with Northpoint Legal

The hospitality industry—including hotels, restaurants, bars, and event venues—has a legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of guests, patrons, and employees. When accidents, injuries, or disputes arise due to negligence or improper business practices, those affected may have the right to seek legal recourse. At Northpoint Legal, we provide strategic legal representation for both plaintiffs and businesses involved in hospitality liability claims across Vancouver and British Columbia.

Whether you are a guest who suffered an injury at a hospitality establishment or a business owner facing legal challenges, our team can help you navigate the complexities of hospitality law.

Hospitality Liability in BC

Hospitality liability law covers legal disputes arising in the hospitality and tourism sector, which can include claims related to:

• Premises liability (slip and fall accidents, unsafe conditions)
• Food safety violations and foodborne illnesses
• Alcohol service liability (dram shop laws)
• Negligent security leading to assaults or injuries
• Hotel or rental property negligence (bedbugs, unsafe premises)
• Employee injuries and workplace safety violations
• Contract disputes and business liability

The legal framework governing hospitality liability includes the Occupiers Liability Act, the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, and WorkSafeBC regulations.

For more details on hospitality liability laws, visit the BC Laws Database.

Common Hospitality Liability Claims

1. Premises Liability & Slip and Fall Accidents

Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues are legally required to maintain safe premises. Common premises liability claims include:

• Slippery floors due to spills or poor maintenance
• Poor lighting, broken stairs, or faulty handrails
• Unsafe furniture or hazardous conditions

Business owners can be held accountable under the BC Occupiers Liability Act, which mandates that they take reasonable steps to prevent injuries to guests and patrons.

2. Food Safety & Foodborne Illness Claims

Restaurants, bars, and catering services must adhere to strict food safety laws to prevent contamination and illness. Common legal issues include:

• Food poisoning due to bacterial contamination (E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria)
• Undeclared allergens causing severe allergic reactions
• Poor sanitation practices leading to outbreaks

Consumers who suffer harm due to food safety violations may have grounds for product liability claims or class-action lawsuits.

For food safety guidelines, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

3. Alcohol Service & Dram Shop Liability

Under the BC Liquor Control and Licensing Act, businesses serving alcohol have a legal responsibility to:

• Prevent overservice and intoxication-related harm
• Monitor patrons for signs of impairment
• Avoid serving minors

Bars and restaurants can be held liable if an intoxicated patron causes harm to themselves or others due to negligent alcohol service.

4. Negligent Security & Assault Claims

Hospitality businesses must ensure that guests are protected from foreseeable harm. If inadequate security leads to injuries from assaults, thefts, or other criminal activities, victims may have a legal claim against the business.

Examples of negligent security include:

• Lack of security personnel in high-risk areas
• Poorly lit parking lots
• Faulty door locks in hotel rooms

5. Hotel & Short-Term Rental Liability

Hotels, Airbnb hosts, and vacation rental properties are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for guests. Common hotel-related claims involve:

• Bedbug infestations causing injuries and damages
• Defective or unsafe amenities (e.g., pools, balconies, elevators)
• Theft or damage to guest belongings due to negligence

Under BC consumer protection laws, guests may pursue compensation for damages caused by substandard hospitality services.

6. Employee Workplace Injuries

The hospitality industry is one of the most injury-prone sectors, with common workplace injuries including:

• Slip and falls in kitchens or wet areas
• Burns from hot surfaces and food preparation equipment
• Workplace harassment and unsafe working conditions

Employers are required to follow WorkSafeBC regulations to provide a safe work environment. Employees injured on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation claims.

For more information on workplace injury claims, visit WorkSafeBC.