Alcohol Liability FAQ

Does a person who serves alcohol stand to be held responsible if a person to whom they serve alcohol causes and accident?

Yes, in some cases a person who serves alcohol can be held responsible for the actions of a person to whom they served. A bar owner or event operator may be liable if they serve someone alcohol to the point of being intoxicated. While the Supreme Court of Canada has held that a social host may not be responsible for those that consume alcohol in the host’s home, there may still be circumstances when a social host may be held liable.

In this case, who would be responsible for paying my claim?

In the case that the person who caused your accident got drunk at a bar, the bar owner could be sued and the bar owner’s insurance could pay any successful claim.