How can I protect myself from a liquor liability lawsuit if I think my business was not liable?
Protecting your business from liquor liability lawsuits can be a complex undertaking in North Carolina. First, you need to check with your state’s statutes to see how alcohol is regulated in your area. Most states have some type of “dram shop” law, which makes businesses liable for the actions of their alcohol customers. North Carolina also has a law that makes it illegal to sell alcohol to a minor. Once you understand the liquor liability laws applicable to your business, you can take steps to protect yourself. Make sure that all your employees are aware of the legal age limit for purchasing alcohol in North Carolina and have a strict policy for checking identification for all customers, regardless of how old they appear to be. If your business serves alcohol, consider using a third-party identification system or an employee background check. Additionally, you should make sure that the premises are well-lit and secure to help reduce the risk of harm to others due to alcohol consumption. It can also be beneficial to implement policies and procedures to monitor, restrict, and document the sale and service of alcohol on your premises. For example, you could require that all customers order food with their drinks or that you limit the number of drinks each customer can purchase. To help protect your business from liquor liability lawsuits, you should also carry appropriate insurance coverage and have a lawyer review any contracts or agreements related to your alcohol sales.
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