Practice Areas - Liquor Liability

Drunk driving accidents are far too common in the Philadelphia and Bucks County area, and many result because of negligent restaurants and bars in the area that serve patrons who are visibly intoxicated. Because of Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop law, these establishments can be held accountable for property damage or injuries to the visibly drunk person or other innocent victims. Visibly intoxicated people who are allowed to leave the bar or restaurant and drive can cause a lot of harm, such as a Bucks County auto accident. Establishments that serve alcohol should be covered by liquor liability insurance to protect their assets.

What is liquor liability?

Any bar, restaurant, hall or other establishment that has a license to sell/serve alcohol can be held liable for those they serve.  This means that in the event that a visibly intoxicated person is served more alcohol and then allowed to leave unattended, the business that served    the person alcohol becomes liable for the visibly intoxicated person’s actions. This person could fall down the stairs, get in a fight, or even get in the car and cause a Philadelphia drunk    driving accident, all of which would become the business’s responsibility. Because of Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop law, victims of the visibly intoxicated person can file a lawsuit   naming not only the person responsible, but also the establishment which allowed that individual to become drunk.

How can liquor liability affect your business?

Restaurants, bars, banquet halls and catering companies are just some of the businesses that can be affected by liquor liability. Any event where alcohol is served, such as a company holiday party or a wedding reception, can become grounds for a lawsuit if a visibly intoxicated person causes damage or injuries.  A lawsuit can deplete virtually all of a business’s assets, as well as result in a bad reputation for the business.

Can liquor liability be avoided?

The only way to completely guard your business against a liquor liability issue is to not serve alcohol at all. But usually this just isn’t an option—restaurants that serve alcohol often have   a competitive advantage over those restaurants without a liquor license. The best way to    avoid the harmful effects of liquor liability is to properly train your employees and invest in liquor liability insurance for your business or event.

If you have been injured because of someone else’s alcohol-related mistake in the    Philadelphia area, contact the Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Saile & Saile LLP, who   have experience in liquor liability cases. Contact our lower Bucks County law offices to schedule your FREE consultation, and don’t forget to download your FREE copy of our PA Car Accident Book.