Romano v. Stanley
Marie Romano sued Harold Stanley's estate and three establishments (Jack’s Oyster House, Martel’s of Broadway, and Dee Dee’s Tavern) under the Dram Shop Act after being injured in an automobile accident caused by Nancy Stanley, who was allegedly intoxicated. Jack’s Oyster House and Martel’s of Broadway moved for summary judgment, arguing Stanley was not "visibly intoxicated" when served alcohol on their premises. Plaintiff submitted an expert’s affidavit based on Stanley’s high blood and urine alcohol levels, asserting she must have been visibly intoxicated at the time. The Supreme Court denied summary judgment, and the Appellate Division affirmed. The Court of Appeals reversed, holding that an expert's affidavit relying solely on blood alcohol content to infer visible intoxication, without a stated scientific basis or personal professional experience in judging live intoxication manifestations, is speculative and conclusory and lacks sufficient probative force to defeat summary judgment.