The term "dram shop" was derived from 18 th century English taverns that sold gin by the spoonful, called a dram.

Dram shop laws hold alcoholic beverage servers financially liable for harm that visibly intoxicated individuals cause to other people, themselves, or property. Dram shop laws are established by each state. They can apply to bars, liquor stores, and restaurants, as well as to social clubs and private events where liquor is served. The laws also include prohibitions against selling liquor without a license, selling liquor after hours, and selling liquor to minors.

For example, if a person has several alcoholic drinks at a restaurant or bar and is visibly intoxicated, and then gets in a car and kills someone on the way home, the owner of the serving establishment can be sued for damages.

A dram shop case is often a component of a larger accident case such as a DWI. The statute of limitations on the dram shop portion of the case differs from those that apply to the other claims made in the case.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a situation where alcohol was involved, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified Civil Justice Prosecutor.