By July, a sports bar can look different than it did in January. Between bigger crowds, rotating staff, and new weekend promotions, what started as a routine year can quickly evolve into more complex operations. And while the games on screen may be the main draw, the real win for agents is making sure sports bar insurance still matches the playbook. A mid-year review gives agents the opportunity to spot coverage gaps, adjust to new risks, and keep their clients protected through the busiest seasons.
By mid-year, most sports bars have settled into new patterns, whether it’s increased weekend traffic, themed promotions tied to seasonal sports, or expanded patio service. These operational shifts can lead to liability blind spots. If a bar begins hosting private events or introduces new entertainment options like trivia nights or DJs, the risk profile may change, and this should prompt a policy review.
In some regions, new regulations may have rolled out that affect licensing or capacity limits, requiring an update to policy language or compliance documentation. Additionally, insurers may issue policy changes or exclusions that agents need to track closely to keep clients informed and protected.
Another key reason to conduct a review is the bar’s claim history. Have there been any incidents, such as a liquor-related claim or a patron injury? Those should serve as opportunities to reassess current limits, reinforce safety practices, and explore additional protections.
At the core of any review are the coverages that keep sports bars protected from their most common exposures. RMS Insurance offers solutions specifically tailored to sports bars’ elevated risks.
First, general liability insurance must reflect current patron volume and seating capacity. If summer traffic has brought larger crowds or outdoor seating, the increase in foot traffic warrants a close look at limits and exclusions.
Liquor liability insurance remains critical, especially if a bar has added new drink specials or seasonal promotions. Alcohol service is one of the highest-risk areas in a hospitality setting, and even one incident can expose serious financial and legal vulnerability.
Don’t overlook workers’ compensation, either. Staff turnover, the addition of seasonal hires, or restructured roles behind the bar can change exposure. Ensuring that employee classifications and payroll estimates are up to date helps prevent coverage gaps and keeps the business compliant.
Insurance agents have an opportunity to go beyond policy servicing by helping sports bar clients strengthen their overall risk posture. Start by conducting a quick walk-through of the venue — look at staff training protocols, crowd management strategies, and safety signage. These simple assessments can go a long way toward preventing claims.
For bars that host third-party vendors — like DJs, security teams, or caterers — it’s also smart to audit vendor and event contracts. Make sure all agreements include proper indemnification language and insurance requirements that match the bar’s own policies.
Finally, double-check documentation. Confirm that the address on the policy matches the actual location (especially if expansion or remodeling occurred), that operating hours reflect reality, and that ownership details are accurate. These details may seem small, but they can have major implications in the event of a claim.
A mid-year insurance review helps prevent gaps before they become problems. For sports bars, staying covered means staying agile as their operations shift. It also reinforces the value agents bring beyond renewals, positioning them as proactive partners in risk management.
Encourage your clients to see their policies not as static documents, but as evolving tools that should grow with their business. With the right approach and guidance from RMS Hospitality Group, sports bar insurance can keep pace with the demands of every season.
At RMS Hospitality Group, our expertly crafted policies are written specifically for the hospitality industry. We offer custom-tailored solutions to meet any venue’s specific needs. For more information, contact our knowledgeable experts today at (888) 359-8390.
At RMS and associated firms, business continues as usual. Our staff is remote-capable and available to handle all partners, brokers, and insureds at the present time.
