What Victims Should Know About Dram Shop Lawsuits Against Red Lobster
At Grossman Law Offices, we've sued more bars for negligent service of alcohol than any other attorneys in Texas. That means we know better than most just how serious this problem is, and how important it is to hold licensed providers accountable when they violate their legal obligations. But based on the comments I sometimes hear, it seems as though many people both in and out of the legal profession don't fully understand how widespread over-service actually is. To help rectify that problem, I've decided to look through the records of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for complaints filed against major bar and restaurant chains, and publish my findings. If you would like to talk about a possible Dram Shop claim, I encourage you to give me a call at (855) 326-0000.
With more than 700 locations, Red Lobster has been a national casual dining powerhouse in the seafood category for more than a decade. However, like many popular chain restaurants, their locations in Texas have been investigated for improper alcohol service many times in the past. Below, we'll review the allegations, which include selling alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person and selling alcohol to minors. Surprisingly, most of the allegations come from concerned members of the community that saw fit to contact the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission so that they could conduct an investigation.
Simply because a Red Lobster location was investigated, it does not mean that they are a location that displays a pattern of violating TABC code. Conversely, if a location has been investigated and investigators determine that they are not in violation of TABC code, that does not mean that the alleged violation did not take place. At times, sufficient evidence required to prove that either criminal or administrative violations occurred is hard to come by. We are simply reporting the locations that were put on the TABC's radar for one reason or another by concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Red Lobster Locations that Have Been Investigated by the TABC Since 2011
Abilene - 1280 S Clack Street
Allegation:
On 9/8/2011, it was alleged that a drunk patron had been over-served alcohol.
After a four day investigation, TABC investigators decided that they hadn't gathered enough evidence in order to support the allegations and shut down the investigation on 9/12/2011.
Duncanville - 603 S. Cockrell Hill Rd.
Allegation:
On 7/23/2012, a member of the Duncanville community reported to the TABC that an obviously intoxicated person was allegedly sold alcohol.
After an investigation and a review of evidence that was gathered, TABC officials decided that this particular location would face no punishment.
Baytown - 4717 Interstate 10
Allegation:
On 8/15/2012, a private citizen alleged that this Baytown location had violated TABC guidelines.
After an investigation that lasted less than a month, TABC officials decided that there was not enough evidence to prove that a violation had occurred and closed the investigation on 9/13/2012.
Sugar Land - 2323 Highway 6
Allegation:
It was alleged by a member of the Sugar Land community that this Red Lobster location may have sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21 on 1/22/2013.
After roughly a two week investigation, TABC officials decided that they did not have enough evidence to support the allegation and dropped the case on 2/1/2013
Sherman - 3600 Hwy 75 North
Allegation:
A law enforcement agency alleged that this location had sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and allowed that person to take the alcohol out of the restaurant into public, spurring an investigation on 11/3/2014.
TABC investigators looked into the claim, ultimately finding that there wasn't sufficient evidence available to levy sanctions, and closed the case on 12/22/2014.
Windcrest - 8210 I 35 North
Allegation:
A concerned customer alleged on 7/31/2015 that this Windrest location, just outside San Antonio, may have sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
Investigators from the TABC failed to come up with corroborating evidence to support the claim, and as a result the investigation was closed on 8/18/2015.
San Antonio - 7835 IH 35
Allegation:
On 8/22/2016, a member of the San Antonio community alleged that this Red Lobster location had sold alcohol to a minor.
TABC investigators closed their investigation on 10/1/2016 after not finding enough evidence to pursue the matter further.
Webster - 7835 IH 35
Allegation:
On 9/25/2017, a citizen of the community alleged that a server had sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
TABC officials closed the investigation on 10/29/2017.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas dram shop law (i.e. liquor liability law / lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
