Pizza Shop Sued for Contributing to Fatal DUI Accident in Delray Beach

In the legal world, “dram shop laws” allow plaintiffs to sue establishments for negligently serving alcohol to customers who subsequently cause injuries. For example, you might sue a bar for serving a heavily intoxicated individual who subsequently crashes into you. While it might make more sense to sue the driver in this scenario, establishments may be able to provide more compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. This is exactly what one pizza shop is facing after a DUI accident in Delray Beach.

Pizza Shop Accused of Serving Drunk Driver “Copious Amounts of Alcohol”

 In August of 2025, multiple sources reported that a pizza shop in Delray Beach was facing legal action after allegedly contributing to a DUI crash. The lawsuit states that this establishment permitted a manager with a “known drinking problem” to consume “copious amounts of alcohol before driving. This manager subsequently caused critical injuries to a victim after crashing his vehicle.

A few months before the plaintiff filed their lawsuit, they were driving in the area of the restaurant. After the manager left the establishment, he rear-ended the plaintiff and caused him to suffer “severe and life-threatening injuries.” According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff had a green light when he approached the intersection. On the other hand, the defendant allegedly had a red light and disobeyed it before the impact.

One of the key allegations made by the plaintiff is the fact that the manager was “habitually addicted to alcohol” prior to the crash. This is noteworthy because it satisfies the requirement for dram shop lawsuits in Florida. It is unclear how the plaintiff plans to prove that the defendant was indeed addicted to alcohol. Not only that, but the plaintiff must also establish that the man’s co-workers were aware of this addiction and “furnished” him with alcohol anyway.

Are Dram Shop Lawsuits Possible in Florida?

Unlike many other states, Florida has restrictive dram shop laws. Businesses can shield themselves from liability in most situations, with two major exceptions: First, the business becomes liable if the person who caused the injuries was below legal drinking age. Secondly, the business may also become liable if the person who caused the injuries was “habitually addicted” to alcohol.

It is usually easier to prove that someone was underage, as the relevant evidence can be as simple as a driver’s license. On the other hand, proving a habitual addiction could be more challenging. This highlights the need to work with experienced injury attorneys in this situation.

Can an Injury Attorney Help Me Pursue Compensation After a DUI Crash in Delray Beach?

If you were injured by a drunk driver, consider speaking with an experienced Delray Beach DUI accident lawyer. These legal professionals may be able to help you explore various strategies to pursue compensation, including dram shop lawsuits. If you believe that an establishment contributed to your crash by serving a driver alcohol, you are perfectly justified in holding them accountable. Contact Steinberg Law for more information.

Sources: 

bocanewsnow.com/2025/08/01/lawsuit-claim-anthonys-coal-fired-pizza-served-inebriated-manager-alcohol/

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.125.html