Jacksonville Social Host Liability Lawyer

For many people, providing free alcohol to guests is an inherent part of throwing a party. There is certainly nothing wrong with this as long as everyone enjoys their drinks responsibly. Sadly, excessive and underage drinking are consistent problems in Florida and across the US. When hosts fail to take certain precautions against these behaviors, they may be partially liable for any injuries that result.

A host’s obligation to encourage safe and legal drinking among his or her guests is legally known as social host liability. In Florida, social host liability is a subset of our state’s Dram Shop Act. For more information about these legal regulations, including important advice if you have been injured by an intoxicated driver, contact Jacksonville social host liability lawyer Don Guthrie, PA at 904-296-1088.

Hosts’ Responsibilities

Different states have different legal obligations for individuals who serve alcohol to guests. In Florida, people are generally not responsible for their guests’ behavior. However, a person may face civil action and perhaps criminal charges if he or she:

Serves alcohol or gives illegal drugs to a person under the age of 21. If this person becomes intoxicated and causes injury to a third party, the host may be held partially responsible. He or she may be sued for damages related to the injury, and may also have his or her driver’s license suspended as a penalty.

Serves alcohol to a known alcoholic. If a host is aware that one of his or her guests has a drinking problem, he or she has an obligation to not serve that person alcohol. If the guest becomes intoxicated and goes on to injure a third person, the host may be found liable.

If you or a loved one has been injured by someone who should not have been provided with alcohol, Jacksonville social host liability lawyer Don Guthrie, PA can help you recoup your financial losses.

Contact Us

To discuss your case with a Jacksonville social host liability lawyer, contact the offices of Don Guthrie, PA at 904-296-1088.