Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Slackers? Here's What You Need To Know
For three decades, I've been holding bars accountable for over-serving alcohol. In the hundreds of cases I've handled, I've seen just how widespread irresponsible alcohol service is, as well as the tragedies that often follow in its wake. While people might see or hear about drunk driving accidents from time to time, rarely do they hear about the role that reckless bars play in those accidents. In order to draw more attention to this issue, I dedicate a portion of my time to investigating the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and reporting my findings here on my website. If you believe you may have a dram shop claim, please call my office at (855) 326-0000.
Slackers is a sports bar located in San Antonio, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the TABC's attention on multiple occasions due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2019, authorities conducted four investigations into the bar's alcohol service practices.
In my experience, it's uncommon for a bar without a history of run-ins with the TABC to end up on the hook for contributing to a wrongful death or injury. Virtually every bar I have ever sued was already on the authorities' radar. That's why I pay close attention to bars with several recent complaints against them. The more investigations a bar has had, the greater my concern is that it could one day contribute to an accident.
Note: Investigations are not proof of wrongdoing. However, if authorities investigate and fail to find evidence of a violation, it doesn't necessarily mean an establishment is innocent, either. The purpose of this article is simply to relay publicly-available information about incidents where the TABC has investigated Slackers for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Slackers Between 2015 and 2019
San Antonio - 126 W Rector Street Suite 136
Allegations:
On 01/06/2015, the TABC received a complaint from a concerned citizen who alleged staff sold drugs on the premises and sold alcohol to an intoxicated customer.
Authorities launched an inquiry shortly thereafter. For most liquor law violations, the TABC requires either video footage of the incident or eyewitness testimony from one of its agents in order to take action. Having neither in this investigation, agents concluded their efforts on 01/30/2015.
A member of the San Antonio community filed a complaint on 03/04/2016, alleging that staff was drinking on the job, allowed patrons to consume alcohol during prohibited hours, sold alcohol to an intoxicated customer, and sold drugs on the premises.
TABC agents looked into the matter, but failed to turn up any hard evidence of a violation. Unable to take any further action, authorities closed the case on 03/19/2016.
The next citizen complaint came on 10/17/2017, and alleged that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk patron.
The ensuing investigation lasted little more than two weeks, which is far shorter than the usual length of a month or two. After failing to find evidence to support the claim, authorities closed the case without further action on 11/03/2017.
Law enforcement reached out to the TABC on 01/14/2019, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Even when the source of a complaint is a police officer, the TABC still requires corroborating evidence before taking action. After investigating and failing to locate any proof of wrongdoing, TABC agents shut the case on 03/16/2019.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas dram shop law (i.e. lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
