Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Los Paisanos Bar? Here's What You Need To Know
I've sued more reckless bars for failing to adhere to liquor laws than anyone else in the state of Texas. With three decades of experience and hundreds of cases behind me, I have seen just how frequently bars put profit before safety and over-serve alcohol, in spite of their legal obligation to serve responsibly. While people might see or hear of drunk driving accidents from time to time, they don't tend to hear as much about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. In order to raise more awareness of this topic, I spend a portion of my time researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint database and writing about my findings here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim, don't hesitate to call my office at (855) 326-0000.
Los Paisanos Bar is located in Crystal City, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2018, authorities conducted three separate investigations into the bar's alcohol service practices.
In my three decades of legal practice, rarely have I seen bar end up involved in a wrongful death or injury case that didn't have a history of complaints on file with TABC. Almost every bar I've ever sued was already on the authorities radar, so when I see a bar that has been investigated several times over a short period, it raises my concern that it could one day play a part in an accident.
Note: Investigations are not proof of wrongdoing. However, if authorities investigate and fail to find evidence, 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 Los Paisanos Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Los Paisanos Bar Between 2015 and 2018
Crystal City - 1015 N Ave A
Allegations:
On 05/13/2015, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a minor, permitted the possession of drugs on the premises, failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight), and that staff sold drugs on the premises.
The ensuing investigation was able to confirm that a breach of the peace occurred and that the bar failed to report it, both of which authorities considered administrative violations. After handing down unspecified penalties, the TABC closed the case on 07/09/2015.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 02/03/2017, claiming that a breach of the peace took place and that the bar failed to report it.
An investigation followed shortly thereafter, with authorities finding sufficient evidence to confirm the veracity of the claims, classified as administrative violations. After handing down unspecified penalties, the TABC concluded its work on the case on 03/25/2017
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 03/01/2018, accusing the bar of selling alcohol without a permit.
Upon investigation, authorities were able to confirm three counts of selling alcohol without a permit, which they classified as criminal violations. The TABC ultimately chose not to hand down any punishment, instead choosing to close the case without further action on 05/19/2018.
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.
