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 Missouri, dram shop laws are codified under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 537.053. These laws allow for a cause of action against a licensed alcohol vendor if they knowingly serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or to a minor, and that person subsequently causes injury or death as a result of their intoxication. However, Missouri's dram shop law is somewhat limited compared to other states. It only applies when the person served is 'visibly intoxicated' at the time of service, and there are further limitations on the liability of the vendor. For example, the law does not apply to social hosts who serve alcohol in a non-commercial setting. It's important for establishments that serve alcohol to be aware of these regulations to mitigate their liability risks. Individuals injured by an intoxicated person may seek legal advice to determine if a dram shop claim is viable under Missouri law.