Arena Liability

Trial Magazine had a good article this month in it on area liability under a dram shop theory.  Under a dram shop claim, a bar or other seller of alcohol may be liable for injuries caused by someone they sell alcohol to who is visibly impaired.  I am surprised this is not litigated more.  However, there is an interesting defense here.  Lots of times the people get drinks from their friends instead of buying the drinks directly.  This will normally relieve the bar or other institution of liability.  For an example of this see Heather Widner, Administratrix of the Estate of Glenn Edward Smith v. Chattanooga Entertainment, Inc. d/b/a Electric Cowboy.