Liquor liability insurance for businesses that serve, sell or make alcohol
Dram-shop protection for bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries and event venues across Washington and Oregon. It covers the alcohol-related injury, assault and property claims that standard general liability policies exclude.
A-rated carriers · Same-day certificates · Lease and license compliance support
Why general liability isn't enough
Liquor liability insurance protects businesses that sell, serve or manufacture alcohol from claims arising from alcohol-related incidents, coverage that standard general liability policies exclude. Under dram-shop laws, an establishment can be held responsible for injuries or damage caused by an intoxicated patron, even after the patron leaves.
We've worked with Pacific Northwest hospitality businesses since 1992. For more background, see the National Restaurant Association and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
When one drink too many becomes a lawsuit
Illustrative examples of how a single alcohol-related incident escalates when coverage is missing or poorly structured, and what closes the gap.
An over-served patron causes a fatal crash
A bar kept serving a visibly intoxicated patron, who then drove and caused a head-on collision that killed another driver. The victim's family sued the establishment for wrongful death under the state's dram-shop law. The general liability policy had a standard liquor liability exclusion, so there was no coverage for the judgment or the defense.
Illustrative example. Real outcomes depend on the facts and your policy terms.
Build the right program for your venue
Every alcohol-serving business starts with liquor liability, general liability and a business owners policy. Tell us how you serve and we'll add what typically applies. No contact details needed.
Your operation
Select everything that applies.
Coverage that typically applies
8 coverages — a starting point for a conversation, not a quote.
- Liquor Liability (Dram Shop)Injury claims from intoxicated patrons.
- General LiabilitySlips, falls and premises claims.
- Business Owners Policy (BOP)Property, equipment and liability bundled.
- Assault & Battery CoverageAltercations involving intoxicated patrons.
- Host Liquor LiabilityAlcohol served at occasional off-site events.
- Workers' CompensationBurns, slips and injuries to your staff.
- Employment Practices LiabilityHarassment and wrongful-termination claims.
- Business InterruptionLost income if you must close.
From first call to certificate
Understand your operation
Restaurant, bar or brewery; hours, entertainment, alcohol as a share of sales, security, responsible-service practices, off-site events and license requirements.
Go to hospitality markets
We approach A-rated carriers that specialize in liquor liability, understand dram-shop and assault exposure and reward responsible-service programs, with competitive rates for good loss history.
Build the program
Liquor and general liability, a BOP and assault and battery at adequate limits, with host liquor, product, off-premises, umbrella and workers' comp layered in as needed.
Certificates and claims
Lease- and license-compliant certificates, additional insureds for landlords and event hosts, claims help from first notice, and responsible-service and annual reviews.
What liquor liability covers
Filter by type or search for a specific coverage.
Liquor Liability (Dram Shop)
Third-party bodily injury and property damage claims caused by intoxicated patrons you served, including incidents after they leave.
General Liability
Bodily injury and property damage unrelated to alcohol service, such as customer slips and falls and premises injuries.
Assault & Battery
Claims from fights and assaults on your premises involving intoxicated patrons, often subject to a specific sublimit worth reviewing.
Legal Defense Costs
Attorney fees, court costs and other legal expenses to defend liquor liability lawsuits, in addition to settlements or judgments.
Product Liability
For breweries, wineries and distilleries: claims arising from the beer, wine or spirits you manufacture and distribute.
Off-Premises Liquor Liability
For liquor stores, grocers and taprooms selling packaged alcohol to-go: claims arising from off-premises consumption.
Host Liquor Liability
For businesses that serve alcohol at occasional events but don't sell it as their primary function.
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
Property, equipment, business interruption and general liability bundled for small to mid-size hospitality businesses.
Business Interruption
Replaces lost income when a covered event closes your venue, covering rent, payroll and loan payments while you recover.
Commercial Auto
Delivery and catering vehicles, including alcohol transport and hired and non-owned auto for off-site events.
Workers' Compensation
Required coverage for bartenders, servers and kitchen staff against burns, slips, cuts and other on-the-job injuries.
Umbrella / Excess Liability
Additional limits beyond your primary policies for when a liquor liability claim exceeds base limits.
Coverage for every alcohol-serving business
Programs from single taprooms to multi-location restaurant groups.
Restaurants
Full-service dining establishments serving beer, wine and spirits with meals.
Bars and nightclubs
Taverns, pubs, sports bars, cocktail lounges and nightclubs with late-night service.
Breweries and taprooms
Craft breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs with on-site tasting rooms.
Wineries and vineyards
Wine producers, tasting rooms and wine bars across the Pacific Northwest.
Distilleries
Craft distilleries, spirit producers and tasting experiences.
Liquor and package stores
Package stores, wine shops and specialty beverage retailers selling to-go.
Event venues
Banquet halls, wedding venues and convention centers serving alcohol at events.
Grocery and convenience
Stores selling beer, wine and spirits for off-premises consumption.
Caterers and mobile bars
Caterers, mobile bar services and off-site event operators serving alcohol.
Brokers who understand hospitality
Specialized markets
As an independent broker working with more than 50 carriers, we match your service model, hours and volume with specialized liquor liability markets.
Lease, license and claims support
If your landlord or the liquor board requires specific limits or additional-insured status, we make sure the policy meets them, and we stay with you through alcohol-related claims.
Fast turnaround
Quotes within 24 to 48 hours and same-day certificates when you need to open, renew a license or satisfy a landlord.
Get your liquor liability quote
A customized quote for your venue, with same-day certificates available. Or email info@firstunderwriters.com.
Coverage descriptions are general summaries for education. They are not legal, tax or coverage advice, a statement of coverage, an offer or a binder, and the coverage builder is a starting point for discussion rather than a quote or coverage determination. Dram-shop statistics are general industry figures; dram-shop laws and liability vary by state. Scenarios and dollar figures are illustrative examples, not representations about any business. Coverage, limits and eligibility are governed by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies issued and are subject to underwriting.