Liquor Liability Insurance in Connecticut
A seller that sells alcohol to an intoxicated person is liable for damages when that purchaser, in consequence of the intoxication, injures another’s person or property. The statute imposes a strict $250,000 monetary cap and strict notice/limitations prerequisites. Connecticut has no separate negligence cause of action against a seller for serving an intoxicated adult.
Reviewed by a licensed commercial insurance agent. Last updated .
Connecticut’s Dram Shop Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 30-102) makes a seller liable when it sells alcohol to an intoxicated person who then injures someone. Recovery is capped at $250,000 per injured person (and $250,000 aggregate), and the injured party must serve written notice of intent to sue within 120 days.
- Dram shop law?
- Yes
- Insurance required?
- Not by statute (often required in practice)
- Recommended limits
- $500K–$1M+ per occurrence (statutory cap is $250K/person); $1M/$2M advisable
- Alcohol authority
- Connecticut Dept. of Consumer Protection — Liquor Control Division
Dram shop law in Connecticut
A seller that sells alcohol to an intoxicated person is liable for damages when that purchaser, in consequence of the intoxication, injures another’s person or property. The statute imposes a strict $250,000 monetary cap and strict notice/limitations prerequisites. Connecticut has no separate negligence cause of action against a seller for serving an intoxicated adult.
Statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 30-102.
Is liquor liability insurance required in Connecticut?
Liquor-liability insurance is not mandated as a condition of a Connecticut permit. It is strongly advisable given dram-shop exposure; some landlords, lenders, or municipalities require it by contract.
What liquor liability costs in Connecticut
- Restaurant: $900–$3,500/yr (MoneyGeek/Insureon; standalone liquor liability ~$75–$290/mo)
- Bar / tavern: ~$115/mo (~$1,379/yr) (Insureon)
- Nightclub: $4,000–$10,000+/yr (estimate)
What owners in Connecticut miss
- Recovery is capped at $250,000 per injured person and $250,000 in the aggregate, regardless of how many are injured.
- A written notice of intent to sue must be given within 120 days (180 if death/incapacity), specifying the sale, injury, and parties — a defective notice defeats the claim.
- No action may be brought more than one year from the act complained of.
- The Dram Shop Act is generally the exclusive remedy against a seller for serving an adult 21+.
Sources
- Connecticut General Assembly: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 30-102 — Dram Shop Actprimaryretrieved 2026-07-27
- Connecticut Dept. of Consumer Protection: Liquor Control Division (license authority)primaryretrieved 2026-07-27
- Insureon: Liquor Liability Insurance Costindustryretrieved 2026-07-27
- MoneyGeek: Liquor Liability Insurance (2025 Guide)industryretrieved 2026-07-27
Cost examples are illustrative national figures gathered from public filings and industry surveys. They are not quotes. Your actual premium depends on your state, carrier, revenue, payroll, location, and coverage selections. Restaurant Insurance Authority is an insurance marketing and referral service, not an insurer or licensed agency. We connect business owners with licensed independent commercial-lines agents who specialize in food and beverage. Questions? Call (855) 480-1410.
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