New California law opens opportunity for brokers

Even the state’s bars are calling it an audacious move by legislators, but it does open up a new vein of opportunity for hospitality carriers and brokers

Insurance News

By Lyle Adriano

New California legislation, effective Jan. 1, allows the consumption of beer on a party bike. The same law also allows farmer’s markets to serve beer.

A party bike is a mobile bar surrounded by bike seats with pedals underneath; the contraption is powered by patrons who pedal as the bartender helms the steering.

Classified as vehicles, California has yet to set rules of the road for party bikes. Until then, a recent law has set safety requirements, speed limits, and even permitted the serving and consumption of beer on party bikes.

Additionally, party bikes that serve beer are required to have another employee on each ride to serve as a safety monitor, to ensure the welfare of each customer/passenger.

While party bikes are generally approved by state law, it is still ultimately up to city officials and local municipal laws to determine whether or not party bike drinking is allowed within their area.

The party bike trend is relatively in its infancy, and with its endorsement by Californian law comes a golden opportunity for both insurance carriers and brokers to break into a new and exciting hybrid market. Alongside standard things such as as liquor liability, workers’ compensation, and business owner’s policies, party bike owners will need coverage for the bike-like contraptions.
 

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