What are the consequences of serving an intoxicated patron?

In West Virginia, Liquor Liability Law states that any business serving alcohol can be held liable if they serve an intoxicated patron and that patron later causes harm to another person or property. This law is in place to help reduce underage and excessive drinking. The consequences of serving an intoxicated patron vary based on the situation, but generally the business can face criminal or civil penalties. A business could be fined or have their liquor license suspended or revoked. Depending on the situation, an individual bartender or server could also be held liable. In addition to the legal repercussions, serving an intoxicated patron can have a number of negative effects on the business. The business could face bad publicity, lose customers, and have a hard time finding insurance. Customers may also be less likely to trust the business to serve them responsibly and could take their business elsewhere. Ultimately, the best way for a business to prevent serving an intoxicated patron is to create clear policies related to serving alcohol and ensure that all staff are adequately trained. This includes training staff on how to spot signs of intoxication, as well as procedures to politely refuse service when needed. This can help keep customers, staff, and the business safe and reduce the chances of any legal consequences.

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What are the consequences of serving an intoxicated patron?

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