Dram Shop Liability in Ohio
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Ohio recognizes dram shop liability for vendors who serve minors or knowingly serve visibly intoxicated patrons who cause injury.
How Ohio treats Dram Shop Liability
Ohio law holds alcohol vendors liable when they serve alcohol to a minor or to a visibly intoxicated adult, and that person subsequently injures a third party. The vendor must have actual knowledge of the patron's age or intoxication status at the time of service. Ohio courts have established that the injured party must prove the vendor's knowledge and the causal connection between the service and the 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 Ohio.