What is dramshop liability?

Dramshop liability is a legal term used in Virginia that refers to the responsibility of the owner, operator, or server of an establishment that provides alcohol to paying customers. This can include restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and even private parties that are serving alcohol. The law states that any establishment that serves or provides alcoholic beverages has a duty of care to patrons, or those that consume the beverages that are served to them. Dramshop liability states that if an establishment serves or provides alcoholic beverages to a patron that is obviously intoxicated, or that becomes intoxicated from the beverages provided, that establishment can be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by the intoxicated patron. Therefore, establishments that serve alcohol are responsible for the safety of their patrons, and the law holds them responsible for any damages or injuries caused by those patrons while they are intoxicated.

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What is dramshop liability?

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