Dram Shop: Drunk Driving Is More Than Just a Crime
Alcohol over-service can shatter the lives of drivers, passengers and others injured because of drunk driving accidents. Everyone has a different tolerance for alcohol. Some may appear visibly capable of safely driving a car after a night of drinking where, with others, it may be obvious after only one drink that he or she needs a taxi or an Uber. Regardless, just one drink can impair a driver’s ability to sense his or her surroundings and properly react to road conditions.
Pennsylvania stores and restaurants that sell and serve alcohol are required to stop service to any person who appears visibly intoxicated. Bartenders and servers are expected to be trained to identify the signs that a customer may be visibly intoxicated. A fundamental rule of responsible alcohol sales requires the establishment to promptly stop service to any visibly intoxicated customer.
Many responsible bars and restaurants will also take steps to provide a safe way home for intoxicated customers. Pennsylvania’s liquor laws hold establishments responsible for injuries caused by those who were served alcohol while visibly intoxicated. Please contact us if you or a loved one has been injured because of a drunk driver and let us investigate whether a bar or restaurant violated its obligation to responsibly serve alcohol.