With over 25 years of hospitality management and alcohol service experience, Preston Rideout is a nationally recognized authority on responsible beverage service and nightclub operations. His professional journey includes tenure as CEO of Rideout Hospitality and founder of the Dram Shop Experts, where he has overseen operations, consulted on risk mitigation, and provided expert insight to more than 250 nightlife venues across the country. His deep knowledge of bar operations, staff training, and intoxication identification protocols has positioned him as a key figure in both preventive strategy and reactive litigation consulting.
Preston’s qualifications are supported by multiple certifications in bartender training, security supervision, and alcohol safety compliance. He has developed comprehensive training programs on intoxication assessment, alcohol over-service, and security protocol for high-capacity venues, casinos, and resort properties. His consulting engagements include detailed operational audits, undercover assessments, and policy development aimed at minimizing liability exposure for bar owners and management teams.
His expertise has led to involvement in over 100 legal cases across more than 30 states as a testifying expert witness. Courts have relied on his evaluations of server behavior, venue operations, and staff training to determine negligence, foreseeability, and responsibility in cases involving alcohol-related injury or harm.
Preston Rideout’s extensive career spans high-volume venues, casinos, and resort properties where operational precision and regulatory compliance are paramount. As the CEO of Rideout Hospitality and the founder of the Dram Shop Experts, he’s led transformative audits and training for over 250 bars and nightclubs nationwide. With certifications in bartender training, alcohol service, and venue security, Preston has built a reputation for improving intoxication recognition, minimizing liability exposure, and refining staff protocol. His strategic audits and training modules are tailored to mitigate risks before they escalate, making him a trusted authority among nightlife operators. Whether directing national rollouts or refining onsite compliance procedures, Preston ensures every team he works with is prepared, informed, and aligned with current safety and service expectations.
Expert Witness
Expert Witness
Security Expert
