When Club Bylaws Prove Negligence
In standard dram shop cases, we measure a venue’s actions against state liquor laws. In private club litigation, there is a second, often more damaging yardstick: the club’s own bylaws. Private clubs pride themselves on high standards of conduct, which are codified in extensive rulebooks, house rules, and membership agreements. When a club fails to […]
The “VIP Member” Liability Trap
In a standard commercial bar, a bartender has the authority—and the legal mandate—to cut off an intoxicated patron. If a customer becomes aggressive, security removes them. In a private club, that dynamic is often inverted. The intoxicated patron is not just a customer; they are a “member,” an owner, and potentially the bartender’s boss. This […]
Defeating the “Social Host” Defense
Private clubs—whether city clubs, yacht clubs, or fraternal orders—often operate under a dangerous misconception: they believe they are immune from Dram Shop liability because they are “private” organizations rather than commercial bars. In litigation, defense counsel frequently leverages the “Social Host” defense, arguing that the club is merely a gathering of friends and not a […]