Bartending School
CREAM RIDGE, NJ 08514

As you will see bartending is more than just memorizing a few drink recipes...

New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control

140 East Front St. PO Box 087
Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: 609-984-2830
URL: https://njoag.gov

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NJ Legal Age to Consume: 21
NJ Legal Age to Serve: 18
NJ Legal Age to Pour: 18

Non-Regulated No state laws pertaining to alcohol training - Training is still advised.

Additional Info: New Jersey has a Dram Shop Law that allows lawsuits against establishments that serve alcohol to intoxicated patrons who cause harm. Here's a breakdown of the key points: * **Seller Liability:** New Jersey's Dram Shop Law is found in N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.7. This law allows lawsuits against licensed establishments that sell or serve alcoholic beverages to people who are: * **Visibly Intoxicated:** The law focuses on whether the vendor served alcohol to someone who became visibly intoxicated while at the establishment. This means someone exhibiting clear signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, stumbling, or incoherent behavior. If this person then causes harm due to their intoxication, the vendor could be held liable. * **Known Minors:** Selling or serving alcohol to someone under 21 years old is illegal and the establishment can be held liable if the minor gets intoxicated and causes harm. However, unlike some states, New Jersey law prohibits an intoxicated adult from suing a bar/restaurant for injuries they sustain themselves due to overconsumption. **Social Host Liability:** * New Jersey's Dram Shop Law applies primarily to licensed vendors of alcohol. There is a difference in social host liability for adults vs. minors: * **Adults:** Social hosts in New Jersey generally **cannot** be sued under the Dram Shop Law for providing alcohol to adults of legal drinking age at private gatherings, even if they become intoxicated and cause harm. * **Minors:** Social hosts who knowingly serve alcohol to minors can be liable if the minor gets intoxicated and causes harm. Here's a table summarizing the key points: | Scenario | Liability under New Jersey Dram Shop Law | |---|---| | Bar serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who causes a DUI accident | Potentially Yes | | Restaurant overserves alcohol to a guest who gets into a bar fight | Potentially Yes (if visibly intoxicated) | | Person provides alcohol at a party to a friend who is visibly intoxicated and later drives home and crashes | Not Likely (unless the friend is underage) | **Important to Note:** * Dram Shop cases can be complex. The specific circumstances, evidence available (such as receipts or witness statements), and the level of intoxication will all play a role in determining liability. * Consulting with an attorney specializing in personal injury or Dram Shop Law is recommended if you believe you have a case under New Jersey's Dram Shop Law. They can evaluate your situation and advise you on the legal options. Here are some resources for further information: * N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.7: [https://www.janmeyerlaw.com/njliquorliability/](https://www.janmeyerlaw.com/njliquorliability/) * Liquor Law Liability and Over-Serving Patrons: [[https://njabcliquorlawattorney.com/liquor-law-liability-and-over-serving-patrons/](https://njabcliquorlawattorney.com/liquor-law-liability-and-over-serving-patrons/)]

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