Community Preventive Services Task Force Finds Commercial Liability an Effective Strategy to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms

Holding Alcohol Retailers Liable

Far too often, newspaper headlines tragically announce alcohol-related deaths. Excessive drinking kills more than 79,000 people in the U.S. each year; these deaths are preventable. One way to prevent excessive drinking, and related injuries and deaths, is to reduce binge drinking that occurs outside the home. Drinking in bars and restaurants is strongly associated with binge drinking and with alcohol-impaired driving. Managers and servers in retail alcohol establishments play a key role in the community by not serving intoxicated and underage customers. Laws that hold alcohol retailers liable for the injuries and damages caused by their intoxicated and underage customers help to encourage responsible service. > > > > Read More