When you step into a restaurant or bar, you expect more than a good meal or a fun evening out. You desire a safe experience. If you’ve been hurt because a business failed to meet its responsibilities, a Greenville restaurant injury lawyer can help you understand your rights.
South Carolina law places essential responsibilities on restaurant and bar owners to protect their customers. When businesses fail to uphold those duties, the results can be devastating.
At Thomas Creech Law Offices, we’ve helped victims of negligence hold establishments accountable. This blog breaks down the key responsibilities restaurants and bars owe to their customers and what you can do if you’ve been harmed.
Maintaining Safe Premises
One of the most basic duties of any restaurant or bar is ensuring that the property is free from unreasonable hazards. This falls under premises liability law in South Carolina.
Slip and Fall Hazards
Spilled drinks, wet floors, or uneven walkways can lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents. According to the CDC, falls are a leading cause of serious injuries nationwide, especially among older adults.
Slip-and-fall accidents can cause:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Restaurants and bars are required to inspect their premises regularly and address hazards promptly. When they fail to do so, they may be held legally responsible by Greenville restaurant injury lawyer.
Adequate Lighting
Dim or flickering lights may create ambiance, but they also increase the risk of accidents. Owners must ensure hallways, dining areas, stairwells and parking lots are safely lit.
Serving Alcohol Responsibly
Restaurants and bars that serve alcohol must follow South Carolina dram shop liability laws. Overserving patrons is not only irresponsible—it’s illegal.
The Risks of Overserving
Visibly intoxicated individuals are more likely to cause accidents, get into altercations, or drive under the influence. According to the NHTSA, nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic fatalities involve drunk driving.
If an establishment continues serving alcohol to someone who is clearly intoxicated—or to a minor—they can be held liable for injuries that result.
South Carolina Liquor Liability
Under South Carolina law, bars and restaurants can face civil liability if they:
- Serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person
- Serve alcohol to someone under 21
- Fail to train staff on safe serving practices
Victims of DUI crashes, bar fights, or overserving-related accidents may be entitled to compensation through a dram shop claim.
Protecting Customers Through Food Safety
Dining out should never lead to food poisoning or an allergic reaction. Restaurants are required to follow strict food safety regulations and communicate risks clearly to patrons.
Foodborne Illness Prevention
Improper storage, undercooked meats, or cross-contamination can cause dangerous outbreaks. The FDA emphasizes that foodborne illnesses can lead to hospitalization and long-term complications.
Allergen Awareness
For people with food allergies, even trace amounts of an allergen like peanuts or shellfish can trigger life-threatening reactions. Federal law requires packaged foods to label major allergens, but restaurants also have a duty to communicate ingredients accurately. Staff must be trained to answer questions honestly and prevent cross-contamination.
Failure to disclose allergens or careless food handling may expose restaurants to liability if a customer suffers an allergic reaction.
Providing Adequate Security
Restaurants and bars also have a duty to protect guests from foreseeable dangers, including crime. Negligent security claims by a Greenville restaurant injury lawyer often arise when an establishment fails to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Examples of negligent security include:
- No security personnel in high-risk areas
- Poorly lit entrances and parking lots
- Broken locks or unsecured doors
- Ignoring a history of prior assaults or thefts
If you were injured because a bar failed to provide basic security measures, you may have grounds for a negligent security lawsuit.
Staff Training and Safety Policies
The best safety policies mean little without proper employee training. Bar and restaurant staff should be trained to:
- Clean spills immediately
- Recognize signs of intoxication
- Follow food safety protocols
- Communicate allergens accurately
- De-escalate conflicts before they turn violent
Owners are responsible for ensuring employees understand and follow these policies consistently.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured at a Restaurant or Bar
If a restaurant or bar’s negligence caused your injury, here are key steps to protect yourself:
- Seek medical attention immediately—document your injuries.
- Report the incident to management and request a copy of the report.
- Gather evidence—take photos, collect witness statements, and keep receipts.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
How a Greenville Restaurant Injury Lawyer Can Help
Proving negligence against a restaurant or bar can be challenging. Businesses often deny fault or try to shift blame onto the customer. At Thomas Creech Law Offices, we:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Preserve key evidence like video footage or employee records.
- Work with experts in safety, food service, and medical care.
- Fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our mission is simple: to hold negligent businesses accountable and help you recover the justice you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Restaurants and bars should be safe, enjoyable places—not sources of preventable harm. From slip-and-fall prevention to responsible alcohol service, food safety compliance, and adequate security, these establishments have a duty of care to every customer.
If you or a loved one has been injured at a restaurant or bar in the Upstate, you may be entitled to compensation.
📞 Call Thomas Creech Law Offices at 864-235-4999 today for a free consultation.
