Dram Shop Liability in Wyoming
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Wyoming recognizes dram shop liability for sales to visibly intoxicated persons under common law principles.
How Wyoming treats Dram Shop Liability
Wyoming applies dram shop liability through common law rather than a specific statute, holding vendors liable when they sell alcohol to someone they know is intoxicated and that person causes harm. The vendor's knowledge of intoxication is key; Wyoming courts examine whether the intoxication was apparent or should have been apparent to the seller. Wyoming does not impose strict liability for sales to minors under the dram shop framework alone, though separate laws prohibit such sales. The injured party bears the burden of proving the vendor's knowledge and causation.
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 Wyoming.