Can I be sued if a patron injures themselves while intoxicated on my premises?
Yes, you can be sued if a patron injures themselves while intoxicated on your premises in California. Liquor liability law holds business owners responsible for the actions of their patrons. This means that the person who sold or served the liquor, as well as the business owner, can be held liable for the actions of their patrons under California law. In California, it is illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated, and if they cause an accident while intoxicated, the business owner and the server can be held liable. California courts will often cite the “dram shop” law in these cases, which states that businesses which sell or serve alcohol can be held responsible for the actions of their patrons while they are intoxicated. This means that, even if you weren’t the one to serve the patron the alcohol, you can still be held accountable for their behavior. In order to avoid being held liable, it is important to ensure that your business is following all relevant laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales, and that your staff are adequately trained to recognize the signs of intoxication.
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