Dram shop is a legal term that refers to a bar, tavern or establishment that sells alcoholic beverages. Dram shop litigation refers to laws governing the liability of these establishments. In a drunk driving accident, the person operating the vehicle is held responsible for the crime committed, but those who serve the driver can also be held responsible.
In the state of Pennsylvania, it is illegal to sell alcohol to minors or to someone of-age that appears to be visibly intoxicated. If an establishment violates any of these conditions resulting in injuries or damages the liquor license holder can be held accountable – as well as have their liquor license revoked. If you were injured in an accident, and a bar, tavern, restaurant or dram shop is liable for your injury, then you need to contact the experienced attorneys at Freeburn Law.
There are multiple situations where Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop law comes into play including:
- If someone is visibly intoxicated and provokes a fight with others injuring the person(s) the bar can be sued.
- If a restaurant serves someone who is visibly intoxicated and that person trips, falls, or is seriously injured that person can sue the establishment.
- If you hire a business/establishment to cater a private party and the licensed bar service serves visibly intoxicated guests they can be held accountable for any accidents that guest caused – their liquor license can be provoked.
There is a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for a person filing a drop shop litigation against an establishment. The statute requires a case to be filled properly within 2 years of the date of the injury.
There are multiple ways to prevent intoxicated servers from being served:
- Properly train employees in responsible alcohol service and how to identify an intoxicated customer
- Do not allow entrance/service to a visibly intoxicated customer
- Make sure to carefully control the amount of alcohol being served
- Develop clear policies and procedures for all employees – make sure to support an employee’s decision to cut-off a customer
Stop serving those who have:
- Difficulty finishing sentences/thought
- Slurred speech
- Glassy eyes
- Poor coordination
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired fine motor-skills
Properly monitoring tables/guests where alcohol is being served and making sure all employees are checking customer’s ID’s is important in protecting your establishment.
If you have been injured by a drunk driver due to the negligence of an establishment, call Freeburn Law today at (717) 777-7777. Our dram shop litigation attorneys in Central Pennsylvania can help you get the compensation you deserve if you were injured by the negligence of a bar or restaurant.
Freeburn Law has several offices throughout Central Pennsylvania to better serve our clients. We have offices in Harrisburg, York, Selinsgrove, Kingston, Lebanon, King of Prussia, Lewistown, Lancaster, and Johnstown. If you can’t come to us, we will come to your home, or meet you in the hospital. We are available 24/7 – evenings and/or weekends.
