The word Dram comes from an old English word for about an 1/8th of an oz of alcohol. Bars that sold drams were called dram shops. Much like a store that sold shoes was called a shoe shop, a store that sold meat a butcher shop etc. In modern times the words dram shop acts or dram shop laws refer to alcohol liability and responsibility laws .

Dram Shop laws can be different in each state. But they all basically mean that if a business sells alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who causes damages and injuries, that business owner and many times the employee who sold the alcohol can be sued in civil court. Our Responsible Beverage Service Training courses will instruct  you in the degree of liability that applies to your particular state. However, to understand even more about your states' Dram Shop laws it is best practice to consult an attorney in your home state.