The term “Dram Shop” comes from the English term referring to an establishment that sold alcohol by the “Dram.”  A “Dram” is a measurement of liquid where one (1) ounce is equal to eight (8) drams.  Now in the United States a “Dram Shop” is a legal term referring to a place that serves alcohol.

Dram shop laws are state laws that hold servers of alcoholic beverages, taverns, restaurants, or bars financially responsible for any harm that happens when visibly intoxicated person is served alcoholic beverages, and that drunk person causes harm. 

In other words, if a bartender serves a visibly drunk person booze, and that person goes and causes a car accident, causes a fight, or harms another person in any way, the bar can be held financially responsible for the injuries.

The drinking establishment can also be held responsible for injuries caused when they should have know that someone was drunk.  This means that it is the server’s responsibility to make sure that alcohol is not served to someone who may be drunk.

Anyone who is involved in a car accident where there is a charge or suspicion of drunk driving, DWI or DUI should hire an experienced attorney to carefully investigate whether there is a lawsuit involving Dram Shop laws.

Also, anyone who is injured because of alcohol related activity such as a bar fight, or a fight where someone was drunk, should hire an experienced attorney to carefully investigate whether there is a lawsuit involving Dram Shop laws.

The Attorneys at Maizel Legal Associates understand the issues surrounding accidents and injuries arising out of alcohol related accidents.

Contact us today for a free confidential case evaluation.