Burke v. Angies, Inc

In this dramshop action, brought pursuant to MCL 436.22; MSA 18.993, defendant appeals as of right from the order denying its motion for a new trial. The action arose from the death of 19-year-old Colleen Burke. The jury had returned a verdict for $175,000 for Janet Burke (Colleen’s mother), $25,000 for Jeffrey Burke (Colleen’s brother), and $10,000 for the estate of Myles Burke III (Colleen’s father).

Defendant is the tavern where Colleen had spent the evening on the night of her death. Defendant’s policy at that time permitted 18, 19 and 20-year-olds to enter the bar. To prevent minors from…