Considering A Dram Shop Lawsuit Against Total Wine & More? Here Are A Few Things You Should Know
My firm has sued more bars for negligent over-service of alcohol than anyone else in Texas. While I wish there was greater awareness about the contributions of alcohol providers in general to intoxication-related deaths and injuries, even those familiar with dram shop law often assume that it only applies to bars and restaurants. The fact is that anyone with a license to sell alcohol has an obligation not to sell to an intoxicated person, including liquor stores. To raise awareness of the kinds of behavior that may be going on at one such establishment, I decided to take a look at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and report my findings. If you would like to talk about a potential dram shop claim, please call (855) 326-0000.
Total Wine & More is a family-owned, privately held American alcohol retailer founded and led by brothers David and Robert Trone. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Total Wine boasts more than 175 stores in the United states and roughly $2 billion in annual revenue. That revenue is projected to reach $3 billion by 2019.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has conducted investigations into allegations of various alcohol service violations, including service of alcohol to minors and intoxicated persons. In some cases, there have been multiple allegations at one location.
Simply because a Total Wine 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.
Total Wine Locations Investigated by the TABC Since 2016
Houston - 2617 W Holcombe Boulevard
Allegation:
On 04/03/2018, this store was alleged to have sold alcohol to an intoxicated person under the age of 21.
Later, on 5/10/2018, TABC investigators closed the investigation with no further action taken.
Plano - 8700 Preston Road
Allegation:
It was alleged that this store had sold alcohol to a minor on 02/05/2018.
After roughly two weeks, the investigation was closed on 2/18/2018 with no further action taken.
Houston - 7640 FM 1960
Allegation:
On 1/8/2018, a member of the Houston community alleged that this location had permitted a person under the age of 15 to work at this location.
TABC investigators closed their investigation of the matter on 3/15/2018.
Houston - 5016 San Felipe Street
Allegation:
A Houston resident alleged that a minor was sold alcohol on 7/24/2017.
TABC investigators decided to close the investigation on 08/24/2017 with no further action taken against Total Wine.
Houston - 5016 San Felipe Street
Allegation:
On 02/28/2017, it was alleged that this location had committed an outdoor advertising violation.
The investigation was closed on 2/28/2017 with no further action taken.
Houston - 125 Loop 410 Northwest
Allegation:
On 08/05/2016, this location was alleged to have committed marketing violations.
On 08/17/2016, investigators closed the case with no further action.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Negligent Alcohol Vendors
If you would like to learn more about Texas dram shop law (i.e. liqour liability law / lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
