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 Washington State, dram shop laws are codified under RCW 66.44.200, which holds that it is unlawful for any person to sell or supply liquor to any individual who is visibly intoxicated. The law also prohibits selling or supplying alcohol to minors. Under these statutes, a licensed establishment such as a bar, restaurant, or liquor store can be held liable for damages if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor, and that person subsequently causes injury or property damage. This means that if an establishment negligently serves alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated, and that person causes an accident or injury, the establishment could potentially be sued for damages resulting from the incident. It's important to note that the specifics of dram shop liability can be complex, and the application of the law can depend on the circumstances of each case.