Steele v. Kerrigan

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

STEIN, J.

This appeal provides another opportunity to address the principles that guide apportionment of fault in actions arising under the New Jersey Licensed Alcoholic Beverage Server Fair Liability Act, L. 1987, c. 152 (codified at N. J.S.A 2A:22A-1 to -7) (Licensed Server Liability Act or Act). Plaintiff Steele was assaulted by defendant Kerrigan, an underage patron who was served alcohol by Gilhooley’s, a tavern owned by defendant Mums, Inc. (Mums). The central issue concerns the comparison of fault under the Act between the negligent tavern and…