Bars, casinos, sports and amusement venues, along with other liquor establishments, understand the risks associated with serving or furnishing alcohol to their patrons. One of the ways these businesses protect against these risks is through liquor liability insurance, which aims to guard against claims for injuries to their patrons and other third parties. Unfortunately, these businesses (and their insurers) have also become all too familiar with claims associated with the service of alcohol and subsequent shootings either on their premises or adjacent to their property. Understandably, insurance carriers who issue commercial general liability and liquor liability policies include firearms exclusions to limit their exposure. But what should these liquor establishments and related entities do to satisfy their legal duties, protect their patrons, and mitigate their liability exposure? Hire more security? Purchase metal detectors? Install more security cameras? What about artificial intelligence?
To date, sports venues, school districts and universities, boardwalks, and casinos have all experimented with AI-based gun detection platforms in their facilities to help protect their patrons and mitigate their liability exposure. For instance, in 2023, New Jersey’s Ocean City School District, along with the city’s boardwalk, partnered with ZeroEyes, a veteran-founded company that utilizes AI software-based systems coupled with law enforcement intelligence experts to detect weapons. The Pennsylvania-based company has also partnered with Temple University for added security measures with its AI-based gun detection platform.