Bar: Court not place to address driver liability

The family of a 10-year-old girl killed by a drunk driver in 2008 is asking Maryland's highest court to rule that the tavern who served the driver is partially responsible for the child's death.

 

The Court of Appeals heard arguments Tuesday and will consider whether to institute dram shop liability, which would allow bars and restaurants to be found liable for a customers involved in drunken-driving collisions.

 

Lawyers defending the bar argued legislators must first pass a law that would hold establishments responsible for the actions of inebriated customers.

 

Attorneys representing the family asked the court to act, saying dram liability would reduce the deaths and injuries due to drunken driving.

 

Lawyers say this is the first time in 32 years the court has heard arguments on the issue.