All Comparison Tables
Dram Shop Laws
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Whether commercial alcohol vendors can be held civilly liable for serving visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause injuries.
50 States3 data columnsLast updated: May 2026
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| State | Liability Allowed | Visible Intoxication Required | Damages Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Yes | None |
| Alaska | Yes | Yes | None |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | None |
| Arkansas | Yes | Yes | None |
| California | No (minors only) | N/A | None |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | $436,000 |
| Connecticut | Yes | Yes | $250,000 |
| Delaware | No | — | — |
| Florida | Yes (minors/known alcoholics) | Yes | None |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes | None |
| Hawaii | Yes | Yes | None |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | $250,000 |
| Illinois | Yes | Yes | Cap by year |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | None |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes | $250,000 |
| Kansas | No | — | — |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes | None |
| Louisiana | No | — | — |
| Maine | Yes | Yes | $350,000 |
| Maryland | No | — | — |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | None |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | None |
| Minnesota | Yes | Yes | None |
| Mississippi | Yes | Yes | None |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes | None |
| Montana | Yes | Yes | $250,000 |
| Nebraska | Yes | Yes | None |
| Nevada | No | — | — |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | None |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | None |
| New Mexico | Yes | Yes | $50,000 |
| New York | Yes | Yes | None |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes | None |
| North Dakota | Yes | Yes | None |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes | None |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes | None |
| Oregon | Yes | Yes | None |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | None |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | None |
| South Carolina | Yes | Yes | None |
| South Dakota | No | — | — |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes | None |
| Texas | Yes | Yes | None |
| Utah | Yes | Yes | $500,000 |
| Vermont | Yes | Yes | None |
| Virginia | No | — | — |
| Washington | Yes | Yes | None |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | None |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Yes | None |
| Wyoming | Yes | Yes | $250,000 |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Yes | None |
Notice requirements, statutes of limitation, and standards of proof vary widely; many states require pre-suit notice within 60-180 days.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.