Intoxication and Third Parties

Persons under the influence of liquor or drugs are known to be irrational, uncoordinated, erratic and prone to conduct which give rise to injury. It is for this reason that recovery is allowed, under certain conditions, from the person furnishing the intoxicating liquor or drug, by the person injured by the user. One such liable person is the seller of intoxicating liquor who, by the Dram Shop Law, is made liable to persons who suffer injury to person or property or to means of support. The first such law in Ohio was passed on May 1, 1854, and was entitled, An act to provide against the evils resulting from sale of intoxicating liquors in the State of Ohio. \u27 There are today variations of the Dram Shop Law in Ohio and twenty-seven other states