Legal Definitions - dram-shop liability

Dram-shop liability refers to the legal responsibility of a business that sells alcoholic beverages for any harm caused by an intoxicated customer. This means that if a customer becomes drunk at a bar or restaurant and causes harm to someone else, the establishment that served them alcohol can be held liable for the damages.

For example, if a person gets into a car accident after leaving a bar and injures someone else, the injured party can sue the bar for dram-shop liability. Similarly, if a person becomes violent after drinking at a club and injures someone else, the club can be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

It's important to note that dram-shop liability can also apply to private citizens who serve alcohol to guests in their homes. If a guest becomes intoxicated and causes harm to someone else, the host can be held liable for any resulting damages.

Overall, dram-shop liability is a way to hold businesses and individuals accountable for the harm caused by drunk driving and other alcohol-related incidents.