ServSafe Alcohol Practice Exam

Which situation exemplifies dram shop liability?

1. A server is fined for serving alcohol to a minor

2. A manager is fined for allowing drug sales

3. A bartender is jailed for serving an intoxicated guest

4. A person sues a bartender who served an intoxicated guest

The correct answer is: A person sues a bartender who served an intoxicated guest

Dram shop liability refers to the legal responsibility of bars, restaurants, or other establishments that serve alcohol for actions that result from the over-service of alcohol to guests. It specifically holds these establishments accountable if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then causes harm to themselves or others. In this situation, a person suing a bartender who served an intoxicated guest exemplifies dram shop liability because the focus is on the establishment's responsibility for ensuring that patrons do not become dangerously intoxicated. The lawsuit indicates that the bartender's actions contributed to the intoxicated person causing harm, which aligns directly with the principles of dram shop laws. These laws are designed to promote responsible alcohol service and reduce alcohol-related incidents in the community. The other choices involve fines or criminal charges for serving minors or intoxicated individuals, highlighting compliance and regulatory issues but do not directly illustrate the liability aspect or the civil liability that dram shop laws are intended to address.