What is a “dram shop”?

A dram shop is a legal term used to describe a business establishment, such as a bar, tavern, or restaurant, that sells alcoholic beverages. In the context of personal injury law, dram shop refers to a legal cause of action against a business that sold alcohol to an individual who later caused harm to someone else, such as by driving under the influence (DUI) and causing a car accident.

A dram shop law holds the business establishment liable for selling or serving alcohol to an individual who was visibly intoxicated and went on to cause harm to someone else. The purpose of dram shop laws is to hold establishments accountable for their actions and to deter them from over-serving patrons who are already drunk.

In order to bring a dram shop claim, you don’t need to prove that the business establishment had knowledge that the patron was visibly intoxicated and that they continued to serve them anyway. The claim must prove that the sale or serving of alcohol was a proximate cause of the harm that was suffered by the individual who was injured.

Dram shop laws vary from state to state, and it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options in a dram shop case. At Dixon Law Office, our experienced attorneys have a thorough understanding of dram shop laws and will work with you to navigate this complex area of law to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.