What Is Michigan’s Dram Shop Law?
The Dram Shop law in Michigan states that it is illegal for a retail establishment to sell, furnish, or give alcohol to someone under 21 or who is ‘visibly intoxicated.’ A person who suffers an injury in a car accident because a bar, restaurant, or liquor store sold alcohol illegally can sue them for damages.
For example, let’s say a young woman stops at a bar in Detroit for a few beers. Although the woman is slurring her speech and can’t walk without stumbling, the bartender keeps giving her beers so they can get a tip. Several hours later, the woman drives away from the bar and hits you on your bike. You have serious injuries.
In Michigan, you can likely file a personal injury lawsuit against the woman personally for violating her duty of care. You also can probably file a lawsuit against the bar for serving alcohol to an intoxicated patron. Your personal injury attorney would seek eyewitness testimony from employees and guests to prove that the woman was obviously drunk and was still served.
If the woman was under 21, you can sue the bar even if she wasn’t intoxicated. The fact that the woman was under 21 alone is sufficient for a Michigan Dram Shop claim.