Dram Shop Cases on the Rise in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is known for its Southern charm, history, and picturesque scenery, making it a popular tourist destination. However, with the increase of tourism comes the increase of alcohol use and the potential for over-serving. In South Carolina, it is illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is already visibly intoxicated, and the consequences of violating this law can be severe. In recent years, there has been a rise in “dram shop” cases in Charleston, which hold bars and restaurants accountable for overserving patrons who then cause accidents or injuries.
Dram shop laws in South Carolina were established to protect individuals and hold businesses accountable for their actions. These laws make it illegal for bars and restaurants to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or under the age of 21. The goal of dram shop laws is to prevent drunk driving accidents and protect innocent bystanders who may be harmed by intoxicated individuals.
Unfortunately, some bars and restaurants in Charleston are still overserving patrons. This can lead to devastating consequences, such as drunk driving accidents and injuries. In fact, according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving accidents accounted for 28% of all traffic fatalities in South Carolina in 2018. This is incredibly alarming and underscores the importance of holding bars and restaurants accountable for their negligence.
If someone is injured or killed as a result of a drunk driving accident in Charleston, they may be eligible to file a dram shop case against the bar or restaurant that served the intoxicated driver. These cases can be complex and require experienced legal representation. It is important to hire an attorney who is knowledgeable in dram shop laws and can navigate the legal system to help you recover compensation for your damages.
It is not just those who have been injured who are affected by dram shop cases. Bars and restaurants that overserve patrons can also face harsh consequences, including losing their liquor license and even being forced to close their doors permanently. It is in the best interest of everyone involved, including the businesses themselves, to not overserve patrons and to abide by South Carolina’s dram shop laws.
Dram shop cases in Charleston are on the rise, and it is crucial for bars and restaurants to not overserve patrons and to follow South Carolina’s dram shop laws. The consequences of overserving can be severe, including drunk driving accidents, injuries, and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a drunk driving accident, it is important to hire an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of a dram shop case. By holding bars and restaurants accountable for their actions, we can help prevent drunk driving accidents and protect innocent bystanders from harm.