What entails liquor liability is the responsibility of a tavern keeper for injuries caused by intoxicated patrons to other people.
Who is involved in a liquor liability case can be a tavern keeper and a patron that has been over-served. Other parties can included anyone who was harmed by intoxicated patron.
Why tavern keepers are held accountable for the actions of their patrons is due to the court precedent Ontiveros v. Borak, 136 Ariz. 500, 667 P.2d 200 (1983), etc. Under this decision, the seller of alcohol “may be held liable when they sell liquor to an intoxicated person . . . under circumstances where the [seller] . . . know[s] or should know that such conduct creates an unreasonable risk of harm to others who may be injured either on or off premises.”
Where liquor liability occurs are any establishments that has a license for serving alcohol. They therefore have a legal responsibility to not to over-serve their patrons.
How a tavern owner is found negligent in over-serving its’ intoxicated customers, and contributing to any damage done as a result, if they should reasonably know if their conduct will create an unreasonable risk.
