Caruso v. Kazense

This action was brought to recover damages under the Dram Shop Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1971, ch. 43, par. 135). A jury gave a verdict for defendants upon which the Circuit Court of Tazewell County entered the judgment from which this appeal is taken.

The plaintiff, Ramona Caruso, is the wife of Ronald Caruso; Chad Caruso and Rhonda Caruso are the minor children of Ramona and Ronald. James Kazense is the owner-operator of Jim’s Place, a tavern in Creve Coeur, Illinois. Merle Smith is the owner of the premises occupied by the tavern.

On October 22, 1971, Ronald Caruso went to the Riverside Inn, in…