By Patricia Bogumil
Editor
In a case likely to be cited for years to come, a Wisconsin court has ruled that a Waterford bar that served alcohol to an underage drinker can’t be sued for negligence, because the underage person provided false identification.
The Associated Press reports that court records indicate Jennifer Serkowski was accidentally injured in 2010 by a friend after they drank at Bonnie and Clyde’s Hideaway, 485 S. Jefferson St.
Serkowski later sued the bar for negligently providing alcohol to her friend, who was under the legal drinking age.
A circuit court earlier had ruled in favor of the bar, saying it could not be held responsible because the friend showed false identification and appeared to be old enough to drink legally.
On June 5, the Second District Court of Appeals confirmed the circuit court’s decision, noting that Serkowski had failed to show that the bar acted in bad faith.
Neither Serkowski nor the tavern’s owner could be contacted for comment by press time.
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