Warning

Info

LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

dram shop rule

Read a random definition: mail-order divorce

A quick definition of dram shop rule:

A dram shop rule is a law that holds a bar or restaurant responsible for the harmful actions of a customer who becomes intoxicated while on their premises. If the establishment serves alcohol to someone who is already drunk and that person causes harm to others or themselves, the establishment can be sued for negligence. This law applies to commercial establishments that sell alcohol, like bars and restaurants, and in some places, it also applies to social hosts. The law is based on the idea that serving alcohol to someone who is already drunk is dangerous and can lead to harm.

A more thorough explanation:

A dram shop rule, also known as a dram shop law or dram shop act, is a law that holds a commercial establishment that sells alcoholic beverages, such as bars, taverns, and restaurants, liable for the harmful acts of its intoxicated customers. This liability arises when the establishment serves alcohol to a customer who is already intoxicated, and that customer then causes harm to a third party or themselves as a result of their intoxication.

For example, if a bar continues to serve alcohol to a visibly drunk customer who then gets into a car and causes a drunk driving accident, the bar may be held liable for the harm caused by the intoxicated driver. Similarly, if a restaurant serves alcohol to a customer who becomes intoxicated and then gets into a fight with another patron, the restaurant may be held liable for any injuries sustained by the victim of the fight.

Most jurisdictions limit dram shop liability to harm caused to third parties, but some, such as Pennsylvania, extend this liability to cover harm caused to the intoxicated individual themselves. This means that a patron who becomes intoxicated and injures themselves may have a cause of action against the establishment that served them alcohol.

Dram shop laws are typically based on negligence, meaning that liability arises when the establishment serves alcohol to a patron whom the server knows or reasonably should know is already intoxicated, or to someone who is under the legal drinking age.

It is important to note that dram shop laws vary by jurisdiction, and it is important to consult with a legal professional in your area if you have questions about dram shop liability.

draft | draw

General

General chat about the legal profession.
main_chatroom
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
It does. Really bad, I think my boss new I was crying in my car lolllll
sorry that sucks
That’s good! You got a good routine going?
It’s ok, we ball
we ball
Yesirrrr
yeah, try to get most of the readings done on the weekends so the weeks arent as bad
hurting for free time though
Quillinit
11:52
wasp i just looked at your cycle and did you like pee in the shoes of admissions officers?
the retroactive withdrawls really hurt me
made them question my ability to stick through law school
withdrawals in undergrad?
yeah 2 years of classes
Quillinit
11:57
ah you filed retro W's from classes in UG?
Quillinit
11:58
ah okay, sorry homie that's rough
it's fine i got into one of my top choices so im really happy
Quillinit
11:58
<3 happy for you
getting into cornell is hugeee
ayyyyy
Quillinit
11:59
^^^^^ would love to get into Cornell lmao
Quillinit
11:59
or anywhere!
you got it, believeeee
12:06
@letsseehowitgoesnow: you okay?
12:08
@ KnowledgeableRitzyWasp did u withdraw frm all your classes for two years or just a few? i have 2 W's
12:23
listening to the front bottoms at the gym again ist es over fur mich?
My wife and I saw TFB with manchester orchestra the night before thanksgiving a few years back and it was pretty damn choice
shaquilleoatmeal
12:27
yoo lets dawg what happened, you good?
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.