Washington Dram Shop Laws: Holding Bars and Restaurants Accountable
By Brumley Law Firm – Seattle Car Accident Lawyers
Introduction: What Is a Dram Shop Law?
“Dram shop laws” hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable when they serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person or to a minor, and that overservice leads to injuries or death.
In Washington, these laws are designed to protect the public from the dangers of drunk driving and alcohol-related harm. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (https://lcb.wa.gov/) enforces rules around alcohol service, and victims may bring lawsuits against negligent establishments under state law.
Washington’s Dram Shop Liability Rules
Under RCW 66.44.200 and related statutes:
– Businesses cannot serve alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated.
– Selling alcohol to minors is prohibited.
– If a violation leads to injury or death, the establishment may be held civilly liable.
For a detailed look, see the Washington State Legislature’s overview of Title 66 RCW: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?Cite=66
How Dram Shop Cases Work
To prove liability, a plaintiff must typically show:
1. The bar or restaurant served alcohol illegally (to a minor or visibly intoxicated person).
2. That overservice contributed to the intoxicated person causing harm (such as a drunk driving crash).
For background on how other states handle dram shop liability, see the National Conference of State Legislatures’ summary: https://www.ncsl.org/health/dram-shop-liability
Why Dram Shop Laws Are Important
– They encourage responsible alcohol service.
– They give victims and families an additional source of recovery beyond the drunk driver.
– They help reduce drunk driving crashes, which remain a leading cause of death on U.S. roads. The NHTSA (https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving) reports that nearly 37 people die every day in alcohol-related crashes nationwide.
If your loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, you may also have a wrongful death claim in Washington.
How Brumley Law Firm Helps Victims
Our Dram shop lawyers in Seattle investigate whether overservice played a role in a crash by:
– Interviewing witnesses.
– Reviewing surveillance footage.
– Analyzing receipts and service records.
– Consulting experts in alcohol service and impairment.
If overservice is proven, we pursue claims against both the intoxicated driver and the establishment. We’ve successfully helped clients with drunk driving accident claims, catastrophic injury cases, and insurance bad faith claims when insurers try to deny coverage.
Conclusion: Protecting the Public from Overservice
Washington’s dram shop laws are an essential tool for protecting the public. If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, the establishment that overserved them may also be responsible.
Call Brumley Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight for full accountability.
Call Brumley Law Firm at (833) 832-2727 for your free consultation — because every case deserves someone who listens and fights.