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 Wisconsin, unlike many other states, there is no dram shop law that holds alcohol servers or establishments civilly liable for the actions of their intoxicated patrons in most circumstances. Wisconsin Statute § 125.035 generally provides immunity to alcohol beverage licensees and their agents from civil liability arising out of the sale, dispensing, or giving away of alcoholic beverages. However, there is an exception to this immunity: a person who provides alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age (currently 21) may be held liable if the underage individual subsequently causes injury or damage as a result of their intoxication. It's important to note that while dram shop laws are not in place, other legal theories may still be pursued in cases of alcohol-related harm, but they would not be based on the specific provisions typical of dram shop statutes.