Valentine’s Day Injuries in Restaurants and Bars: Who Is Liable and What Are Your Rights?

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, bars and pubs across England. With high footfall, crowded spaces, and often increased alcohol consumption, the risk of injuries – whether slips, trips, falls or other accidents – rises significantly. But where an injury occurs, who is legally responsible? And what steps can visitors and businesses take to understand their rights and obligations?

Understanding liability: the legal framework

At the core of liability for injuries on business premises in England is the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, which places a duty of care on the “occupier” of premises – typically the owner, manager or operator – to ensure that lawful visitors are reasonably safe while on the property. This applies to restaurants, bars and pubs alike.

In practice, this means:

• Premises must be maintained in a safe condition.
• Known hazards should be addressed promptly.
• Customers should be forewarned of risks that cannot be immediately eliminated.

No business can completely exclude liability for injuries caused by their negligence – notices attempting to absolve the business of responsibility generally won’t stand up in court.

Common injury scenarios after Valentine’s Day

Some of the most frequent incidents that give rise to claims in busy hospitality venues include:

1. Slips, Trips and Falls
   On a night like Valentine’s Day, spilled drinks, crowded areas and wet floors all increase hazards. If staff fail to clean up spills quickly or neglect to put up warning signs, the establishment may be liable for any resulting injuries.
2. Injuries From Broken Glass or Debris
   Glassware dropped on the floor – if left unattended — creates a significant risk. The occupier must ensure that broken glass is removed swiftly and safely.
3. Burns, Scalds or Service-Related Incidents
   Restaurant patrons can sustain injuries from hot food, drinks or unsafe serving practices. Businesses have to manage these foreseeable risks, such as by using proper serving methods and training staff accordingly.
4. Assault or Violence
   On a busy night with alcohol involved, customer altercations sometimes occur. In addition to occupiers’ liability, establishments may also be vicariously liable for the actions of staff or even other customers if they failed to provide appropriate supervision or security.

Duty of Care: what businesses must do

To reduce liability and keep guests safe, restaurants and bars should:

• Carry out regular risk assessments and walkthroughs before and during service.
• Promptly clean spillages and mark wet floors.
• Maintain safe lighting, flooring, seating and access routes.
• Train staff on health and safety practices.
• Ensure sufficient staffing levels, especially on peak nights.
• Document incidents carefully (e.g., via an accident book) so that accurate records are kept.

Public liability insurance is also a key safeguard – while it doesn’t reduce risk, it does provide financial protection if a customer’s claim succeeds.

Claiming compensation: the customer’s perspective

If a visitor is injured and believes it was due to the negligence of the establishment:

• Time Limit: Most personal injury claims must be started within three years of the accident.
• Burden of Proof: The injured party must show the business owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach caused the injury with measurable harm.
• Evidence: Photos of the hazard, witness statements, CCTV footage and medical records all strengthen a claim.
• Contributory Negligence: If the visitor’s own behaviour contributed to the injury, the compensation may be reduced proportionally

Balancing enjoyment and safety

Valentine’s Day is a special night, blending celebration, romance and hospitality. But it also brings increased risk. For businesses, investing in safety isn’t just about legal compliance – it’s about preserving reputation and customer trust. And for visitors, knowing your rights and what constitutes negligence can be crucial if the unexpected happens.

If you’ve been injured in a restaurant, bar or pub, our Personal Injury team can provide clear, practical advice on your rights, your options, and the next steps to take – so you can move forward with confidence. Call 0330 822 3451 to speak to one of our legal experts or request a callback.