All bars, taverns, liquor stores, and restaurants in the state of Florida are responsible for who they sell alcohol to. If vendors do not follow the guidelines set forth by the state, then not only is their liquor license at risk, but their entire business as well. When an establishment is negligent about whom they sell liquor to, then they may be liable for any alcohol-related injuries caused by their patrons.
Who Can You Not Serve Alcohol To?
Any place that sells alcohol is responsible for who they serve. To protect the community, the state for Florida has created certain restrictions on who you can and cannot serve alcohol to. Everyone knows that it is against the law to serve alcohol to any person under the age of 21. In addition to this, you cannot serve to anyone who is already drunk or anyone who is known to be “habitually” addicted to alcohol. It is the business owner’s job to train their staff not only to check the IDs of patrons, but also to be able to know when someone has had too much to drink.
If an establishment does serve alcohol to any of these individuals, they are responsible for any injuries or accidents that those individuals may cause due to their intoxication.
Dram Shops Liability in Florida
A dram shop is any business that sells alcohol, including but not limited to bars, restaurants, nightclubs, taverns, sporting venues, and liquor stores. Since these establishments have a liquor license, they have the added responsibility of keeping their patrons and the community safe by practicing safe-serving techniques.
If someone who works at a dram shop illegally serves someone, they are ultimately putting the entire establishment at risk. If the individual that was served alcohol then gets in an alcohol-related accident, the owner of the business may be held responsible. Dram shop owners may be held accountable for a number of expenses and damages caused by the intoxicated individual. These damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Loss of wages and benefits
- Cost of damages, such a destroyed property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Call the Attorneys You Can Trust
If a person under the influence of alcohol injured you or someone you love, contact LMW today. These types of cases require extensive investigation and extensive knowledge on liquor liability laws. Call LMW today for a free consultation.