Liquor Licensing & Dram Shop Liability
Illinois Liquor Licensing and Dram Shop Liability
Dram shop liability laws hold alcohol servers and bars responsible for harm caused to others by intoxicated or underage patrons (and in some cases, to themselves). While selling liquor to an obviously intoxicated customer is the most common dram shop violation, Illinois dram shop law also covers the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages, such as:
- Selling liquor without a license
- Selling liquor after hours
- Selling liquor to a minor
The liquor law attorneys at Ciesla & Ciesla protect the interests of business clients with Illinois liquor licenses. Each of our lawyers has more than a decade of experience in this area of law and is well prepared to provide both legal guidance to minimize or avoid dram shop liability and legal defense if your company is facing a civil lawsuit.
In the area of liquor licensing and dram shop law, our clients include bars and clubs, restaurants, caterers, convenience stores and liquor stores, nonprofit organizations and individual hosts who served alcohol. We represent clients throughout Illinois. To speak with an attorney about your legal matter, contact our Northbrook law office.
Dram Shop Laws and Liability
The goal of dram shop legislation is to reduce the incidence of drunk driving injuries and deaths. By creating financial risks for businesses (and hosts) who serve already intoxicated clients, legislators increased the incentive for business owners to "cut off" the tap. The result of these laws around the country has been a reduction in drunk driving accidents.
Liquor license holders can be proactive avoiding dram shop liability and minimizing their risk by providing beverage server training. Your insurance rates may also decline if your servers are trained in an approved program.
To learn more about your responsibilities under Illinois dram shop law and how you can protect your business from litigation, contact the liquor license attorneys at Ciesla & Ciesla. We represent clients in the greater Chicago area and throughout Illinois in liquor license matters.
