Businesses hosting Mardi Gras parties should take some precautions

As anyone who's ever been to an office holiday party knows, mixing business and pleasure is a delicate matter that can go from fun to downright frightful at any given moment. And with Mardi Gras season shifting into high gear, attorney Ed Harold, partner at Fisher & Phillips in New Orleans, says business owners need to do a little liability planning prior to hosting a parade-watching party if they want to stay out of hot water.

"The main thing people end up getting in trouble over, particularly around Mardi Gras, is a general relaxation of morals. This feeling that, you know, it's Mardi Gras and we're going to let some things go that we might not otherwise let go," Harold says. "That can get you into a lot of trouble. And it probably won't bite you in the butt immediately."

Rather, he says, employees will remember what they see and hear at a company party (if you're watching the alcohol servings as closely as Harold recommends), and may try to use that info months—even years—down the road when promotions, demotions, firings or other office shakeups happen.

"If you have someone who's trying to put a case together against you over discrimination against women, and you had all the guys from the office partying on a balcony with a bunch of beads … Well, I think you get where this is going," Harold says.

If you use some "common sense and adult judgment," Harold says, hosting a Mardi Gras party can be a big win for your company.

"These parties are important to a lot of businesses in Louisiana. It's such a unique event to our state, and there's really no better way to reward employees or entertain out-of-town clients and guests and really make an impression," he says. "I would never tell my clients not to host a party because of the risks, because the risks are not that substantial if you just think ahead a little."

Often, Harold says, problems arise from those out-of-town clients or guests who don't know what is appropriate behavior at a company Mardi Gras party and what is not.

"You need to let your guests know what is expected," he says. "A lot of times issues arise simply because some people have no concept of Mardi Gras other than pictures they've seen."

Harold has compiled a short list of recommendations for business owners who are planning a company Mardi Gras party. It covers everything from liquor and guest lists to security and social media policies. Check it out here.