Who is liable for serving alcohol to an intoxicated person?

Serving alcohol to an intoxicated person carries legal responsibilities, and both the establishment and the server can be held liable. This is grounded in social responsibility laws that protect public safety by discouraging the service of alcohol to individuals who are already impaired.

When a server serves alcohol, they have a duty to monitor the consumption of their patrons, and if they notice signs of intoxication, they should take appropriate steps to refuse service. At the same time, the establishment (such as a bar or restaurant) has its own legal obligations to ensure that its employees follow responsible serving practices. If an intoxicated patron later causes harm, such as in a drunk driving incident, the establishment can also be held accountable for serving that person alcohol.

This dual liability is in place to promote responsible alcohol service and to deter establishments and their employees from disregarding the potential consequences of their actions, thus enhancing public safety.