Dram shop laws in Texas hold establishments that serve alcoholic beverages liable for injuries or damages caused by an intoxicated patron if the establishment continues to serve alcohol to that patron after they are already visibly intoxicated. These laws were put in place to deter establishments from overserving alcohol and to hold them accountable for their actions.
There are several potential legal liabilities for establishments that violate dram shop laws in Texas. First, the establishment may be sued by the injured party or the family of the injured party for damages resulting from the intoxication-related incident. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In addition to being sued by the injured party, the establishment may also face criminal charges if it is found that they continued to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron. These charges could result in fines, license suspensions or revocations, and even jail time for the establishment’s employees or owners.
Given the potential legal liabilities and consequences of violating dram shop laws in Texas, it is important for establishments to be aware of these laws and to strictly adhere to them. It is also advisable for establishments to seek the assistance of an attorney to help them navigate these complex legal issues and to defend themselves against any legal action taken against them.
An attorney can help an establishment to understand their rights and responsibilities under Texas dram shop laws and can provide legal representation in the event of a lawsuit or criminal charges. They can also advise the establishment on how to best comply with these laws and minimize the risk of legal action being taken against them.
In summary, dram shop laws in Texas hold establishments that serve alcohol liable for injuries or damages caused by an intoxicated patron if they continue to serve that patron after they are visibly intoxicated. It is important for establishments to be aware of these laws and to seek the assistance of an attorney to help them navigate any legal issues that may arise.