Overview — M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. Bar and Tavern Insurance
M.J. Hall & Company, Inc. offers a dedicated Bar and Tavern Insurance program designed for agents placing small- to medium-sized bars, taverns, nightclubs and restaurants with alcohol exposures. As an Excess & Surplus lines broker, M.J. Hall provides access to multiple markets and flexible solutions for accounts that require higher limits, liquor liability, assault & battery protection or specialized property and crime wording.
Ideal accounts and appetite
- Neighborhood bars, taverns and lounges where alcoholic beverage sales represent a majority of revenue (typical definition: >50% of gross sales).
- Nightclubs and venues with live entertainment or dance floors (small to medium capacity).
- Restaurants that serve alcohol or convert to bar operations after-hours.
- Accounts that need primary liquor liability, assault & battery coverage, or valet/garagekeepers wording.
We are best suited for accounts without catastrophic prior loss histories and with reasonable controls in place (trained staff, security protocols, incident documentation). Higher-risk nightclubs, large-capacity concert clubs, or locations with repeated severe liquor-related losses may require specialized placement or may be outside appetite.
Coverage highlights and advantages
- General Liability: Primary or excess CGL available with limits up to $3,000,000.
- Primary Liquor Liability: Available up to $1,000,000 per occurrence.
- Optional/additional programs and endorsements: Garagekeepers coverage for valet services, Non-Owned/Hired Auto, Assault & Battery, Business Income, Medical Payments.
- Crime: Inside and Outside the Premises coverage for employee and third-party theft exposures.
- Property: Basic, Broad or Special forms; Replacement Cost or ACV; contents, business income, equipment breakdown, accounts receivable, computer equipment, outside signs, valuable papers.
- Access to various carriers through an E&S platform when admitted paper is not available.
Underwriting notes and minimums
Underwriting focuses on operations, mix of food vs. alcohol sales, security and incident history. Typical information to submit:
- Five years of loss history including liquor-related incidents
- Payroll and annual sales (split of bar vs. food when possible)
- Occupancy details: building construction, capacity, presence of dance floor or live entertainment
- Risk control measures: security staffing, ID checks, training, CCTV, incident logs
Minimum premiums vary by state, class, and coverages bound. Expect minimums generally starting around $750 or higher depending on the package and selected limits.
Territories and admitted status
This program is available in AK, AZ, CA, HI and NV. M.J. Hall places coverage as an Excess & Surplus lines broker; admitted paper may be available in some states or for specific risks, while E&S placement will be used where admitted options are not offered.
Why place this business with M.J. Hall & Company, Inc.
- Access to multiple carriers and flexible E&S solutions tailored for hospitality risks.
- Underwriters with experience evaluating alcohol-related exposures, live entertainment and valet operations.
- Ability to package liability, liquor liability, property and crime into comprehensive proposals—useful for agents managing accounts with mixed exposures.
- Responsive service for quote requests and binding on appropriate risks.
Example account scenarios
- A 60-seat neighborhood bar with weekly live music, primary liquor sales and modest food service — needs primary liquor liability, general liability and contents coverage.
- A 300-capacity nightclub with valet parking — requires higher CGL limits, assault & battery coverage and garagekeepers for valet operations.
Submit risks through your usual M.J. Hall wholesale channel with the requested underwriting package. For quoting questions or to confirm state availability and minimum premiums, contact your M.J. Hall representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of bar or tavern accounts are a good fit for this program?
Small- to medium-sized bars, taverns, lounges, nightclubs and restaurants with alcohol sales are ideal—especially those that need primary liquor liability, assault & battery protection or valet/garagekeepers coverage. High-capacity concert venues and accounts with repeated severe liquor losses may be difficult to place.
What limits and coverages can I quote?
General liability limits are available up to $3,000,000 and primary liquor liability up to $1,000,000. Property, crime, garagekeepers, non-owned/hired auto and assault & battery can be added depending on the account and carrier appetite.
How does admitted vs. non-admitted placement work for this program?
M.J. Hall is an Excess & Surplus lines broker and will provide E&S placement where admitted paper isn’t available. In some states or for certain accounts, admitted options may be available—placement is determined case-by-case during underwriting.
What underwriting information should I include with submissions?
Include five years of loss runs, a breakdown of sales (alcohol vs. food), occupancy details (capacity, live entertainment, dance floors), security measures, and any special exposures such as valet or outdoor patios. This information speeds quoting and improves chances of placement.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.