What Are Dram Shop Laws?

Many people are unaware of laws related to dram shops. In general, these laws make liable vendors that sell or furnish alcohol to people already visibly intoxicated when that person injures another. The act says that a person who knowingly sells alcoholic beverages to a noticeably intoxicated person, knowing that such person will soon be driving, may become liable.

Alabama code section 6-5-71 provides a cause of action for spouses, parents, and children who shall be injured in person, property or means of support by any intoxicated person. This section grants these individuals a right of action against any person who shall by selling, giving, or disposing of alcohol to another, contrary to the provisions of law.

There are many examples of bars, restaurants, convenience stores, etc., putting profits above the safety of others by continuing to provide alcohol to intoxicated patrons. Often times people are injured or killed by a drunk driver and never find out one of the main causes for their injuries was the fact that an establishment continued to serve a drunk patron and did nothing to keep them off the road.

Last month a jury returned a $1 million verdict against a country club in a case where it continued to serve an intoxicated patron and later that patron hit and injured another person. Drinking and driving are a deadly mix and the results can be either serious injury or deaths for innocent victims. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a drunk driver, contact us for your free evaluation. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding your injuries and find those responsible that may otherwise go undetected. At Linton & Associates, we are Alabama injury attorneys that focus on drunk driving accidents and alcohol server liability. We have the knowledge and resources to fight for you and win.

My name is Christopher S. Linton, Attorney at Linton and Associates Law Firm in Birmingham, Alabama. We specialize in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Premises and Product Liability, Auto Accidents and Infant Injury and Death.

Keywords:  Alabama Drunk Driving, Alabama Alcohol Server Liability, Alabama Dram Shop Laws