Safe and successful tours can build goodwill with customers.
Most breweries, wineries or distilleries offer tours and a tasting room where guests can enjoy a sample of the product or purchase drinks made on-site. Tours are a terrific way to display your establishment, help guests understand how the product is made and further engage them in your craft.
These operations present a different set of exposures than a typical beverage manufacturing facility. The most common source of liability claims for these businesses are slip-and-fall hazards. To complicate this exposure, many establishments also offer tours that lead guests through the manufacturing side of the establishment, the vineyard or storage areas. If you own a beverage business, closely evaluate your operations to ensure guest safety.
Here are some items to consider when planning your tour route, tasting room or taproom space:
- Use nonskid flooring wherever possible, and make sure all spills are cleaned up immediately.
- While it’s best to have a level flooring surface throughout, if there are changes in elevation, make sure all steps are marked appropriately and are well lit.
- Ensure that handrails on stairways are secured, that stair treads are a solid surface or that carpeting is properly secured and free of tears.
- Be sure walkways around the exterior of the establishment (including parking areas) and outdoor gathering areas are in good condition and well lit.
- Use surveillance cameras where possible.
- Assign guides for all tours and train them in safety procedures. Limit the number of guests per tour. Keep guests at a safe distance from operational traffic, moving machinery and hot surfaces.
- Don’t permit guests to carry food or beverages with them during the tour.
- Post warnings and liability disclaimers at the tour site and on your website to assure visitors understand potential physical and operational hazards.
- Provide any necessary safety gear, such as safety glasses or hearing protection.
- Be sure to follow any state or local safety regulations or health restrictions, including occupancy restrictions for fire evacuation.
By ensuring a safe visit, you protect your business while building customer goodwill.