Dram Shop Liability in Kentucky
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Kentucky recognizes dram shop liability for sales to visibly intoxicated persons and to minors under age 21.
How Kentucky treats Dram Shop Liability
Kentucky holds bars and retailers liable when they sell alcohol to someone they know or should know is visibly intoxicated, or to anyone under 21 years old. The law applies to both on-premises and off-premises vendors. Kentucky courts have upheld these claims even when the intoxicated person's own negligence contributed to the injury. The statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of injury.
The general definition of Dram Shop Liability
Legal responsibility of bars or stores for harm caused by serving alcohol to intoxicated people.
Dram shop liability holds businesses that sell alcohol accountable when they serve drinks to someone who is already drunk or visibly intoxicated, and that person then causes injury or damage to others. The law recognizes that the bar or store had a duty to refuse service in these situations. If they fail to do so and the customer harms someone—say, by driving drunk—the business can be sued for those damages. The idea is to discourage over-serving and create an incentive for responsible alcohol service.
Read the full Dram Shop Liability entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Kentucky.