Liquor Liability Legislation Needs Urgent Action

Bars and restaurants are depending on legislative action to ensure they can obtain liquor liability insurance. H.288 was previously passed by the House without contest but has stalled in the Senate. While inaction will put businesses at risk of closing, legislative leaders did not take up this important legislation this week. If legislative action is not taken, the industry will be left on the verge of not being able to secure liquor liability insurance. The Vermont Chamber and Vermont Independent Restaurants will continue to advocate for the Senate to take immediate action. Contact your Senator today and encourage them to act on H.288 to support Vermont’s restaurant and bar industry.  

The Vermont Chamber has been advocating throughout this session in support of amending the statute to update Vermont’s dram shop laws. Specifically, to bring it in line with neighboring control states such as Maine which contain two concepts of liability, one for the negligent service of alcoholic beverages and the other for the reckless service of alcohol. The Vermont Chamber is also advocating for removing the landlord from the chain of liability.