Williamson v. the Old Brogue, Inc.

In this tort action, we consider whether a retail seller of alcoholic beverages may be liable in damages for providing alcoholic drinks to a customer who, while intoxicated, injures a third person in a motor vehicle accident.

In 1984, appellant Howard S. Williamson brought this action against Ethel C. Loredo and appellee The Old Brogue, Inc., seeking compensatory and punitive damages as the result of a motor vehicle collision in Fairfax County between automobiles operated by the plaintiff and Loredo respectively. Subsequently, the plaintiff settled his claim against Loredo, executing a…