Pennsylvania law allows accident victims to sue bars, restaurants, and other establishments that over-serve intoxicated drivers who subsequently cause crashes. Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Act, businesses that serve alcohol can be held liable when they continue serving visibly intoxicated patrons who then injure others while driving under the influence. This law recognizes that establishments serving alcohol have a responsibility to monitor their customers and refuse service when patrons show clear signs of intoxication.
The attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. help accident victims pursue compensation from both drunk drivers and the establishments that over-served them. We understand how to investigate dram shop cases, gather crucial evidence, and hold all responsible parties accountable for the injuries and damages caused by drunk driving accidents.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Laws
Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Act establishes liability for businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages to visibly intoxicated individuals who then cause injury to third parties. The law applies to bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other licensed establishments that serve alcohol to customers. To establish liability, victims must prove the establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated at the time of service and that this intoxicated person subsequently caused an accident resulting in injuries.
Visible intoxication represents the key element in dram shop cases, requiring evidence that the patron displayed obvious signs of intoxication that reasonable staff members should have recognized. These signs may include slurred speech, unsteady movement, aggressive behavior, bloodshot eyes, or the strong odor of alcohol. The law does not require establishments to perform sobriety tests, but it does expect trained staff to recognize when customers have consumed too much alcohol and should no longer be served.
Proving Your Dram Shop Case
Successfully pursuing dram shop liability requires gathering specific evidence linking the establishment’s over-service to the subsequent accident. Witness testimony from other patrons, staff members, or security personnel who observed the intoxicated individual before the accident provides crucial evidence of visible intoxication. Video surveillance from the establishment, when available, offers powerful proof of the patron’s condition and the establishment’s continued service despite obvious signs of impairment.
Documentation of the drunk driver’s alcohol consumption patterns and timeline helps establish liability against the serving establishment. Credit card receipts, witness statements about drinking behavior, and expert testimony regarding blood alcohol concentration can demonstrate how the establishment’s over-service contributed to the intoxication level at the time of the accident. Car accident attorneys work with accident reconstruction specialists and toxicology professionals to build comprehensive cases against both the drunk driver and the establishment that over-served them.
Challenges in Dram Shop Cases
Dram shop cases present unique challenges that require thorough investigation and skilled legal representation. Establishments often argue that patrons were not visibly intoxicated when served, or that other factors contributed to their intoxication after leaving the premises. Staff members may claim they did not observe signs of intoxication or that other customers purchased drinks for the intoxicated individual, making it difficult to establish the establishment’s direct responsibility.
Evidence preservation becomes critical in dram shop cases, as establishments may destroy video surveillance, alter witness statements, or modify training procedures after accidents occur. Insurance companies representing establishments often mount aggressive defenses, arguing that the drunk driver bears sole responsibility for the accident. However, Pennsylvania law allows victims to pursue compensation from multiple responsible parties, and establishments cannot escape liability simply because the intoxicated driver was also negligent.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. for Dram Shop Liability Cases
Drunk driving accidents cause devastating injuries and financial hardship for victims and their families, but Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Act provides important legal remedies against establishments that contribute to these tragedies through irresponsible alcohol service. Pursuing both the drunk driver and the over-serving establishment maximizes your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. We help accident victims navigate complex dram shop cases while building strong claims against all responsible parties.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. has been recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2010, reflecting our commitment to achieving positive outcomes for accident victims. With over 65 years of combined experience, our legal team provides compassionate representation while fighting aggressively to protect your rights against drunk drivers and the establishments that enable dangerous drinking behavior. Contact us today at (215) 822-7575 or through our contact form to discuss your dram shop liability case.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
October 15, 2025
