Bars Investigated by the TABC

Cabaret East Investigated by TABC

Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Cabaret East? Here's What You Need To Know

I've been suing irresponsible bars for over-serving alcohol for 30 years. My experience handling hundreds of cases has repeatedly shown me just how many bars fail to follow alcohol service regulations, as well as the tragedies that all too often result. While people might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, they don't tend to hear about the role that reckless bars play in those accidents. In order to call more attention to this issue, I dedicate a portion of my time to reviewing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and reporting my findings here on my website. If you think you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and have questions about how to proceed, don't hesitate to call me at (855) 326-0000.

Cabaret East is an adult entertainment club located in Euless, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, authorities conducted three separate investigations into the club's alcohol service practices.

In my experience, it is 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 cause 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 Cabaret East for possible criminal or administrative violations.

TABC Investigations of Cabaret East Between 2018 and 2019


Euless - 12325 Calloway Cemetery Road

Allegations:

On 07/23/2018, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that staff was drinking on the job, permitted the possession of drugs on the premises, and allowed a minor to possess or consume alcohol.

Authorities looked into the matter 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, authorities decided to close the case on 09/21/2018.

A member of the Euless community reached out to the TABC on 05/07/2019, claiming that the club allowed the possession of drugs on the premises, sold alcohol to a drunk customer, and that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) took place.

An investigation ensued, with authorities finding sufficient evidence to prove that the club failed to report a breach of the peace, which authorities classified as an administrative violation. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC closed the case on 06/14/2019.

The TABC received a citizen complaint on 06/17/2019, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated customer.

As mentioned in the first investigation summary, the TABC relies heavily on video footage to back up most claims of wrongdoing. Since authorities had no such evidence in this investigation, they could not take any action, leading to their decision to close the case on 08/17/2019.

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.