Perhaps you’ve been out for a drink and noticed a patron that has been overserved and has become obviously intoxicated. In Arizona, if that individual ends up causing injury or property damage due to intoxication, the establishment may be held liable for not following state law.
Arizona’s dram shop laws are in place to protect individuals and community members from the dangers of irresponsible alcohol service. The state’s laws are designed to hold businesses and individuals who serve alcohol to the public accountable for their actions. This includes bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and banquet hosts.
The primary purpose of Arizona’s dram shop laws is to deter intoxicated individuals from obtaining alcohol and ensure that alcohol is not being served to minors. The laws also attempt to reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents, such as drunk driving accidents, alcohol-related injuries, and alcohol-related deaths. These laws are designed to protect the public by requiring those who serve alcohol to use reasonable standards when serving guests.
Under Arizona’s dram shop laws, those who serve alcohol may be held liable for damages caused by an intoxicated individual. This includes property damage, medical costs, and legal fees associated with an incident. Additionally, the laws state that businesses or individuals that serve or supply alcohol to an individual who is obviously intoxicated may be held liable for damages caused by that individual.
A dram shop is a type of Arizona-based liquor store that specializes in selling distilled spirits, such as whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila. Its name originates from the British term for a shop that sells alcoholic drinks by the dram, which is a small — usually one-eighth-ounce — measure of spirits.
Dram shops are licensed by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control and are subject to all state laws pertaining to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. To sell alcohol, a dram shop must have a state-issued liquor license, which is renewable every two years.
To purchase alcohol from a dram shop, a customer must be at least 21 years of age and present a valid driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification. Customers must also agree to sign the store’s “Dram Shop Liability Waiver” before they can be served any alcoholic beverages.
At a dram shop, customers can purchase a wide variety of distilled spirits, as well as mixers, bitters, fruit juices, and other ingredients necessary to create a variety of cocktails. Many dram shops also offer a variety of craft beers, wines, and other specialty liquors.
Dram shop laws are regulations in states that hold establishments responsible when alcohol has been overserved. These laws are enacted to discourage over-service of alcohol and to protect the public from the dangerous consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. Arizona is one of many states with dram shop laws in place.
The law in Arizona makes it illegal for any establishment that serves alcohol to sell or provide alcohol to an underage person or to a visibly intoxicated person. An establishment can be liable for damages if it is found that they were negligent in their service of alcohol to a patron, leading to an accident, injury, or death.
In addition to the potential for liability, Arizona also has certain requirements for businesses that serve alcohol. They must undergo a server training program to ensure that their staff is knowledgeable about the laws and regulations related to the sale and service of alcohol. The establishment must also have a policy in place that outlines acceptable behavior for patrons and staff related to alcohol service and consumption.
Arizona law makes it illegal for a bar or bartender to:
The Arizona dram shop liability law is called A.R.S. § 4-311. For those who are seeking liability under Arizona’s dram shop laws, our experienced Arizona dram shop lawyers can review your case and help identify where the negligence lies.
Under Arizona law, a liquor-serving establishment can be held liable for damages caused by an intoxicated customer if it can be proven that the establishment served the customer when they were already intoxicated, or that the establishment served an underage customer. This so-called dram shop law is in place to protect the public from the dangerous effects of irresponsible alcohol service.
Common dram shop lawsuits in Arizona involve cases where a bar, restaurant, or other liquor-serving establishment served an intoxicated customer, who then caused injury or property damage. In these cases, the injured party or their family can sue the establishment or the individual bartender for damages.
In addition to cases causing injury or property damage, Arizona’s law also makes it illegal to serve alcohol to minors. This law is in place to protect minors from the risk of underage drinking and driving. If an establishment is found to have served alcohol to a minor, they can be sued for damages by the minor’s parents or guardians.
Dram shop lawsuits can be complicated, and it is important to consult with an experienced attorney if you are considering filing a lawsuit in Arizona. The Arizona dram shop liability lawyers at Torgenson Law can help you understand your rights and the legal process and can help you determine the best course of action for your case.
Dram shop liquor liability in Arizona is a term used to refer to the legal responsibility that establishments that serve alcohol, such as bars and restaurants, have in preventing their customers from becoming intoxicated to the point of being a danger to themselves or others.
Under Arizona law, any business that sells, serves, or provides alcohol to customers has to exercise extreme caution. If the business fails to do so, and the customer becomes intoxicated and causes an accident or injury, the business can be held liable under the dram shop law. This means they can be held responsible for the customer’s actions, as well as resulting damages or injuries.
For example, if a customer is served too much alcohol at a bar and then causes a car accident on their way home, the bar may be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. Similarly, if a customer drinks too much at a restaurant and gets into a fight with another patron, the restaurant may be held liable for any resulting damages or injuries.
Not all establishments that sell alcohol are liable under the dram shop law. Generally, the business must have served alcohol to the customer after they were visibly intoxicated, or served alcohol to a minor.
Dram shop liquor liability in Arizona is an important concept for any business that serves alcohol. It is important for business owners to understand the law and take steps to ensure that their customers are not over-served.
If you or a loved one have been injured or suffered damages at the hands of someone you believe was over-served, reach out to our Arizona dram shop liability lawyers. We specialize in building a case of negligence against the establishment responsible for those who caused your injury.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation, and let our experts help you decide which steps to take next. Call us at 602-726-0747 or talk to us online today.