Are bars and restaurants required to provide food when serving alcohol?

In West Virginia, liquor liability laws generally require that bars and restaurants provide food when they are serving alcohol to customers in order to reduce the likelihood of intoxication and its risks. The legal standard is known as “Substantial Food Service,” which means that establishments must provide “substantial meals” or food that is of a quality substantial in relation to the amount of alcohol served. The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission has provided guidance on what constitutes substantial food service. Examples include hot foods, like hamburgers and fries, as well as cold foods, such as sandwiches and salads. Furthermore, food must be served in ample portions, cooked or prepared on premises, and offered at reasonable prices. There is no minimum quantity of food necessary to meet the standard; however, the food must be served in reasonable amounts and at reasonable prices in order to be considered substantial. In summary, bars and restaurants in West Virginia are required to provide food when they are serving alcohol. This is a liquor liability law put into place in order to reduce the likelihood of intoxication and its risks. The legal standard for food service is known as “Substantial Food Service” and requires establishments to provide food that is of a quality substantial in relation to the amount of alcohol served.

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Are bars and restaurants required to provide food when serving alcohol?

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