Badge - National College for DUI Defense
Badge - Best Lawyers Best Law Firms U.S.News 2017
Badge - DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Badge - Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Badge - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Badge - AV Preeminent
Badge - AVVO Rating
Badge - Super Lawyers

DRAM Shop Liability

Georgia Code section 51-1-40 outlines what is known as the Dram Shop Law, which is intended to hold alcohol vendors and proprietors responsible for serving overly intoxicated individuals or minors.

Under this statute, if a person is injured in a drunk driving accident, he or she can file a suit against an establishment that sold alcohol to the intoxicated driver if:

  • Alcohol was knowingly served to a minor under 21
  • Alcohol was knowingly served to someone who was “noticeably intoxicated”
  • The employee of the establishment knew that the intoxicated individual or minor would be driving
History of Dram Shop Law

The term “dram shop” refers to bars, restaurants or liquor stores—any establishment that sells alcohol. Its origin is historical, as alcohol was once served in measurements called drams.

Dram Shop and Your DUI Defense

While the Dram Shop Law makes it possible for a suit to be filed against an establishment that served alcohol, it does not come into play in a DUI case. There are, however, other avenues that an experienced defense attorney can explore that also relate to liability. You will need to work closely with your attorney so that he or she can understand all of the ins and outs of your case in order to build the most effective defense possible.

If you are facing any alcohol-related charges in Georgia, the experienced team at Kohn & Yager can help. Contact our office today to schedule a free and confidential review of your case.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Great lawyer helped me out a lot. Very attentive, made me feel comfortable and at ease!! Really knows his stuff - would use him anytime. M.L.
★★★★★
Mr. Larry Kohn could not have been more helpful. I sent him a message for a free consultation, and unfortunately my case had to be handled in another state. But he completely walked me through everything I needed to do, and even offered to assist the lawyer I did find in Virginia should they need help with my case. Jamie V.
★★★★★
Mr. Kohn is just amazing. He is truthful and realistic when explaining potential outcomes of your case and doesn’t force you to hire him or anything. When I met him, he went through everything about the case and ways to fight it off first before even telling me about his services. He got my case dismissed and kept me out of a lot of potential problems with school applications and future job opportunities. I highly recommend him to anyone. Anurag G.