Dram Shop Liability in Oregon
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Oregon imposes dram shop liability on servers of visibly intoxicated persons under ORS 471.565, with a three-year statute of limitations.
How Oregon treats Dram Shop Liability
Oregon law explicitly holds bars and retailers liable when they serve alcohol to someone they know or should know is intoxicated, and that person subsequently injures a third party. The statute creates a private right of action for injured parties to sue the establishment directly. Oregon also recognizes social host liability in limited circumstances, making it broader than some states. The three-year statute of limitations applies to dram shop claims.
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 Oregon.