Dear Trails Club Members,
You may already be aware that Rossmoor clubs have not always been in compliance with CA ABC licensing laws for alcohol consumption at group events where money would change hands in any way. Rossmoor’s GRF liability insurance does not cover our club for alcohol consumption at our next two events, because we will be paying for catered food (for our Holiday Party) or paying to attend if we don’t bring food (our Chili party) as neither our caterer, nor our Club, nor anyone in our Club holds a CA liquor license.
Various scenarios were spelled out in the Rossmoor News of Wednesday, November 26th of this year. Also some of us Board members were at the Activities Council presentation given this morning, (Friday December 6, 2024) which further clarified the legality of Rossmoor clubs’ social activities where alcohol could be consumed.
Clubs had the mis-perception that compliance wouldn’t be required until 2025 but at today’s meeting Jeff Matheson our General Manager clarified CA state liquor laws. Also a representative from Gallagher Insurance, which issues the liability insurance policy for the GRF, explained what the GRF liability insurance policy covers. He stressed that at any event where money changes hands, clubs must have an ABC liquor license either provided by the caterer or obtained by an individual on behalf of a club for clubs to be in compliance with CA state law and for them to be fully covered by the GRF liability insurance policy.
Unfortunately, because money will be changing hands for our upcoming Holiday Party and Chili Fest we cannot allow anyone to bring in their alcoholic beverage of choice, whether to share or consume themselves.
We would immediately be liable for any accidents caused by alcohol consumption at these two events and would be in violation of California State ABC Licensing laws, were alcohol brought in by participants.
Apologies for being the bearer of such news but none of us nor our club should be open to liability if we are not in compliance with the law. We really appreciate your support and adherence to the law by asking you not to bring alcohol to our Holiday Party, nor to our Chili Fest, either for personal consumption or to share.
Mary Smith, Vice President and in-coming President
Kathy Devine, Holiday Party co-host
Jacky Poulsen, Holiday Party co-host