Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Burton Short Stop? 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.
Burton Short Stop is a convenience store located in Burton, 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 four separate investigations into the store's alcohol sales 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 Burton Short Stop for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Burton Short Stop Between 2018 and 2019
Burton - 12400 Fm 390 West
Allegations:
On 07/19/2018, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the store sold alcohol to a minor.
The ensuing investigation found evidence to support the allegation, which authorities classified as both a criminal and administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 08/21/2018.
A member of the Burton community reached out to the TABC on 08/17/2018, claiming that the store sold alcohol to a minor.
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 08/21/2018.
The TABC received a complaint from a concerned citizen on 11/27/2018, accusing the store of two counts each of staff drinking on the job, selling alcohol to an intoxicated person, and selling alcohol to a minor.
Authorities found evidence that staff sold alcohol to a minor, which they classified as a criminal and administrative violation. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC closed the case on 12/31/2018.
A citizen complaint, filed on 07/19/2019, alleged that the store sold alcohol during prohibited hours.
As mentioned in a previous 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 09/13/2019.
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.
