Is liquor liability insurance required in Georgia?

Georgia does not require liquor liability insurance by state statute for most businesses serving or selling alcohol. However, three practical pressures make it essentially required for any alcohol-serving establishment: First, standard general liability policies exclude liquor-related claims, so without dedicated liquor liability, the business has no coverage for alcohol-driven injuries or lawsuits. Second, Georgia is a dram shop liability state, meaning establishments can be sued by third parties for damages caused by patrons who were served while visibly intoxicated. Third, many landlords, lenders, and franchise agreements require liquor liability as a condition of the relationship. Some local jurisdictions tie liquor license renewals to proof of coverage. For practical purposes, any business serving or selling alcohol in Georgia needs liquor liability.