Wondering whether you can hold a bar or restaurant liable after a drunk driving accident in California? That’s where the California dram shop law comes in. Unlike some other states, California has limited dram shop liability, meaning alcohol vendors are typically not responsible for the actions of intoxicated patrons—except in specific cases involving minors or clear negligence. If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver, it’s crucial to understand how dram shop laws affect your right to pursue compensation. At The Beliz Law Firm, we guide victims in navigating California’s complex liability laws to help determine who can be held accountable and how to build a strong personal injury claim.
Choosing to drive after consuming alcohol is a terrible decision. Unfortunately, it is a decision people make every day. Driving while intoxicated impairs judgment and makes reflexes sluggish, increasing the risk of an accident.
Many states have adopted dram shop liability laws to prevent these tragedies. Dram shop laws aim to hold establishments responsible for serving too many alcoholic beverages to a patron or for serving an already intoxicated patron.
California dram shop laws are complicated. In the past, they aggressively targeted establishments, providing an opportunity for victims injured in accidents caused by intoxicated persons to sue the establishment that served the alcoholic beverages. However, the California legislature has primarily repealed this law, leaving only a tiny exception regarding serving alcohol to minors.
The Beliz Law Firm is well-informed of all legal updates about California dram shop laws. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated person, contact one of our attorneys to see if you are legally able to sue the establishment or host who served the alcoholic beverages.
What Is a Dram Shop Law?
First, what is a dram shop? A dram shop is an establishment that sells alcoholic drinks. Common examples include bars, restaurants, clubs, and lounges.
A dram shop law is implicated whenever:
- Such an establishment serves too many alcoholic beverages to a patron, or
- The establishment serves alcoholic drinks to an already intoxicated patron, and
- The intoxicated patron then causes harm.
For a typical example, suppose John goes to Tavern ABC, and the bartender serves him excessive amounts of alcohol, even though it is clear John is drunk. John then drives home, and because the alcohol impairs his cognition, he runs a red light and hits another car. Jane, the driver in the other vehicle, is severely injured. Jane can file a dram shop claim against Tavern ABC, who overserved John.
This example describes how the dram shop liability laws used to be in California. However, the law now favors establishments over injured victims.
Who Can Be Sued in a Dram Shop Case in California?
Under California’s current dram shop liability law, the establishment no longer bears the responsibility to monitor the alcoholic intake of its patrons. Individuals are responsible for monitoring their alcohol intake.
There are now only two legal exceptions, and they both involve serving alcohol to minors.
- A parent, guardian, or adult who furnishes alcohol at their residence to someone they knew or should have known to be under 21 years old can be liable for any injuries caused by the intoxicated minor; and
- A person authorized or licensed to sell or furnish alcohol can be liable for any injuries caused by an intoxicated minor they served.
Apart from these exceptions, the new law eliminates a dram shop’s liability in California.
Examples of Dram Shop Liability in California
The following are hypothetical examples of dram shop liability cases.
Example 1
John is 40 years old. He visits the ABC Tavern after work and has too many alcoholic beverages. John leaves the tavern intoxicated. While driving, he runs through a stop sign and hits motorcyclist Tom—breaking both his legs.
Because of California’s limited dram shop liability, Tom cannot bring a claim for his injuries against Tavern ABC. He can, however, sue John.
Example 2
Jane is 17 years old. She visits the ABC Tavern. Chris, the bartender, serves her too many drinks, and Jane becomes intoxicated. She later starts a fight in a bar and injures Diane.
Under California law, Diane would likely be able to sue Chris.
This example illustrates the exception to the dram shop repeal. A person licensed to sell alcohol can be liable for the injuries an obviously overserved and intoxicated underage patron causes. Because Jane was below the drinking age, Chris—but not ABC Tavern—could be held responsible for the injuries Diana suffered.
Example 3
John and Jane threw their 16-year-old daughter a birthday party with her classmates at their house. John and Jane serve alcohol at the party. One of the party attendees, Tom, becomes intoxicated at the party. As he drives home, he hits a bicyclist.
John and Jane can be liable as social hosts for Tom’s injuries because they served alcohol to individuals whom they knew were minors.
Is There a Difference Between a Social Host Liability Law and a Dram Shop Liability Law?
Yes. Sometimes, social host liability and dram shop liability are used interchangeably. However, social host liability refers to liability for serving alcohol in a non-commercial setting, such as a party at a personal residence. On the other hand, dram shop liability refers to the liability for serving alcohol at a place of business, such as a bar or restaurant.
Talk to The Qualified California DUI Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated individual, contact The Beliz Law Firm. Founder Michael A. Beliz can analyze your case to determine your eligibility for compensation. He has 18 years of legal experience and has secured millions of dollars for his clients. Contact our office now for a free case evaluation.
FAQs About California Dram Shop Law
What is the California dram shop law?
The California dram shop law limits the liability of bars, restaurants, and social hosts when someone they served alcohol to causes an accident. In most cases, alcohol vendors are not held responsible for a drunk driver’s actions, with a few key exceptions.
Can I sue a bar for over-serving a drunk driver in California?
In general, no. Under California Civil Code Section 1714, bars and alcohol vendors are not liable for damages caused by someone they served alcohol to, unless they served a clearly intoxicated minor under the age of 21.
Are there any exceptions to California’s dram shop law?
Yes. The primary exception is when an establishment knowingly serves alcohol to a minor who is already obviously intoxicated. In that case, the vendor may be held liable for any damages the minor causes.
Does California have social host liability?
Yes, but it’s limited. Social hosts who provide alcohol at private events generally cannot be held liable for the actions of their guests—unless they serve alcohol to minors, which can trigger legal consequences and potential liability.
What happens if a drunk driver causes an accident after leaving a bar in California?
While the drunk driver is primarily liable, you may have a valid claim against a bar or restaurant if they illegally served a minor. Otherwise, California law typically shields establishments from liability for adult patrons.
Can I recover damages if the driver was underage and served alcohol at a party or bar?
Yes. If a minor was illegally served alcohol and caused an accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from the person or business that provided the alcohol, as this falls under one of California’s dram shop law exceptions.
How can a personal injury lawyer help with a dram shop liability case in California?
A personal injury attorney can investigate all potentially liable parties, gather evidence, and determine whether dram shop or social host exceptions apply to your case. This ensures you’re pursuing all avenues for compensation.
Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.
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