It is illegal in Alabama for a package store, bar, or restaurant to sell alcoholic beverages to an individual that (under the totality of the circumstances) appears intoxicated. Also, it is illegal for an establishment to sell alcoholic beverages to someone that is under the legal drinking age. Drivers that are 21 years old or older are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .08 or higher. Commercial drivers are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .04 or higher. School bus and daycare drivers, as well as those under 21 years of age, are legally drunk when their blood alcohol content is .02 or higher. If you, or a loved one, has been seriously injured as a result of a drunk driver then you might have a dram shop claim.
It is illegal for an establishment to sell alcoholic beverages to someone that is clearly drunk and to allow them to leave and get into a car and on the highways. It is also illegal for them to sell alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years old. Both of these actions are wrongful and they must have consequences in order for other establishments to think twice before they do the same.
These establishments must be held responsible for their actions when someone is injured as a result. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury by an intoxicated driver then give our Birmingham dram shop lawyer a call for a consultation today.