Insurance Solutions Tailored For Higher-Liquor Establishments

In the hospitality sector, each venue encounters risks. Whether running a restaurant, bar, nightclub, hotel, or event hall, typical insurance policies often do not fully safeguard these businesses, particularly those with significant liquor sales. Waypoint Insurance offers industry-specific coverage tailored to address the unique challenges faced by hospitality business owners.

What Is Select Hospitality Owner Program?

Select Hospitality Owner Program (SHOP) is one of Waypoint Insurance’s core programs, created specifically for higher-liquor establishments within the hospitality sector and exclusive to Navacord. As a preferred partner of British Columbia’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC), Waypoint established SHOP to address a gap in the insurance market, where rising rates and limited coverage left many nightlife venues vulnerable to significant risks.

Who Is SHOP Designed For?

SHOP provides coverage to a wide range of hospitality risks at the following establishments:

• Live music venues and concerts
• Nightclubs, bars, and pubs
• Indoor and outdoor events
• Restaurants—family restaurants to fine dining
• Banquet halls
• Special events and adult entertainment venues

However, unlike general hospitality insurance programs, SHOP is designed specifically for establishments where liquor sales are the primary or sole source of revenue. Establishments with substantial food service or additional operations may find broader options available outside of this program, as Waypoint can accommodate businesses with up to 100% liquor sales.

Why Have A Dedicated Program For Higher-Liquor Establishments?

When operating an establishment that serves liquor, there are a variety of higher risks involved, such as liability arising from intoxicated guests, the potential of drunk driving incidents, and risks associated with Forcible Ejection.

Traditional commercial insurance policies typically do not cover these risks. These situations create insurance challenges that require specialized solutions. By enrolling hospitality businesses in SHOP, Waypoint ensures that high-liquor venues receive coverage tailored to their unique risks and protection that isn’t available in standard packages.

Why SHOP Stands Out

The program offers several key features, including comprehensive liquor liability coverage as well as Forcible Ejection coverage. Additionally, risk management services are offered in-house to help owners and operators develop and implement effective risk management policies and procedures. The program also includes mandated shutdown protection, which allows maintaining premises coverage only if the closure is due to a government-mandated shutdown. This feature was beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it remains available as a precaution.

When connecting with a client, the Waypoint team gathers and reviews relevant information, including employee handbooks and security protocols, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the client’s operations. If any concerns are identified, our team will discuss them with the client to address them. No changes will be necessary, but the information will be compared to other claims made for similar venues. Our advisors will offer the client tips on how to minimize their exposure to various potential risks.

Continuously Creating Insurance Solutions

Waypoint Insurance is committed to developing solutions where they are most needed. In this case, SHOP was created to address challenges faced by higher-liquor establishments. Since its introduction, the program has continued to evolve.

“I think that’s the difference between us and other brokers. We’re listening to the concerns of ABLE, we’re hearing the complaints that come up in the media, and so we’re just constantly trying to build our program to make it make sense for our clients,” said Brittany Vickers, a senior risk advisor at Waypoint Insurance. “We’re very adaptable.”

Getting Started With SHOP

If your establishment primarily relies on liquor sales and you want insurance coverage that addresses these risks, SHOP is the next step toward peace of mind.

Contact Brittany Vickers, senior risk advisor, at BVickers@waypoint.ca to discuss your business needs and receive tailored recommendations for comprehensive protection.