Most states have a dram shop law to deter providers of alcoholic beverages (servers, liquor stores, bars, restaurants) who sell or serve alcoholic beverages under authority of a license or permit from selling or serving alcoholic beverages to obviously intoxicated individuals.
These laws generally eliminate any liability of servers, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants when a person to whom they sell or serve alcohol causes personal injury or property damage—whether in an automobile accident, a fight, or other incident—unless the person to whom they sell or serve alcohol is obviously intoxicated.
Laws regarding dram shop liability vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.
In Alaska, dram shop laws are codified under Alaska Statutes § 04.21.020. These laws impose liability on licensed alcohol servers, such as bars, restaurants, and liquor stores, for damages caused by the intoxication of a person if the alcohol was provided to an individual who was visibly intoxicated at the time of service, or if the alcohol was provided to a minor. The law is designed to hold alcohol providers responsible for harm resulting from illegal sales to visibly intoxicated persons or minors, which can include injuries or damages from accidents or altercations. It is important for establishments serving alcohol to be vigilant in their service practices to avoid liability under Alaska's dram shop laws.