[ProtectOurFreedom]

In the United States, dram shop laws in about 42 states and D.C. allow bars, restaurants, or bartenders to be held civilly liable if they serve a visibly intoxicated patron who later causes injury or death (e.g., in a drunk driving accident). Victims (or their families) can sue the establishment or bartender for damages. Liability usually requires proof that:

1. The patron was obviously or visibly intoxicated (e.g., slurring speech, stumbling).
2. The bartender continued serving anyway.
3. This led to harm (third-party injuries are most common).
4. BUT, self-injury claims are rare and often barred..

After 33 drinks, #1, #2 and #3 were certainly true. But #4 will get the lawsuit tossed.

[JimRed]

The patron was obviously or visibly intoxicated (e.g., slurring speech, stumbling).

In my bartending days I saw several cases where habitual drunks were able to pull themselves together and act normal long enough to get service, then commence with the stumbling and slurring.