If I’m hosting a wedding at my house and I’m hiring a bartender to serve the alcohol but somebody
gets into a accident on the way home, whose at fault the bartender or me?
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If I’m hosting a wedding at my house and I’m hiring a bartender to serve the alcohol but somebody
gets into a accident on the way home, whose at fault the bartender or me?
Asked on May 10, 2018 under Accident Law, Michigan
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
The law in MI is that under something known as the "dramshop" law, only commercial entities (i.e. bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs and like establishments holding liquor licenses) bear responsibiltiy for such alcohol related accidents. Social hosts (i.e. people serving friends/family) has a general rule bear no such responsibiltiy. However, state law can impose liability under what is called "Social Host Liability" if liquor is served to a minor. Accordingly, so long as no minors are served, the bartender could be liable but not you.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
In your state, Michigan, only businesses (bars, restaurants, clubs--sellers of alcohol) and not social hosts (e.g. people serving to their friends or at parties) may be liable (i.e. sued) for alcohol-fueled accidents. It is possible that the bartender might be liable, but you would not be.
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