What Is Dram Shop Liability?

Laws under which an establishment can be held legally liable for injuries caused by a patron who was served while visibly intoxicated or who was a minor. Recognizing intoxication signs and refusing service helps limit this liability.

Dram Shop Liability across 3 exams

Dram Shop Liability appears on the following exams. Each defines it in the context candidates are tested on:

ServSafe Manager
Laws under which an establishment can be held legally liable for injuries caused by a patron who was served while visibly intoxicated or who was a minor. Recognizing intoxication signs and refusing service helps limit this liability.
ServSafe Food Handler
A law under which an establishment can be held legally liable for injuries caused by a patron who was served while visibly intoxicated or who was a minor. Only time — not food or water — lowers a person's blood alcohol concentration.
ServSafe Alcohol
A legal doctrine holding an establishment responsible for harm caused by improperly served alcohol. Under dram shop laws, an establishment can be liable for injuries caused by a patron served while visibly intoxicated or who was a minor.