Considering A Dram Shop Case Against 12 Rooftop Bar & Lounge? 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 the general public might see or hear of drunk driving accidents from time to time, it doesn'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.
12 Rooftop Bar & Lounge is located in College Station, Texas. In recent years, the TABC has made multiple visits due to complaints alleging the bar committed liquor law violations. Between 2017 and 2019, authorities conducted four separate investigations into alcohol service practices at the 12 Rooftop Bar & Lounge.
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 12 Rooftop Bar & Lounge for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of 12 Rooftop Bar & Lounge Between 2017 and 2019
College Station - 209 University Drive
Allegations:
Law enforcement filed a complaint with TABC on 07/18/2017, alleging that the bar failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight).
TABC agents conducted an inquiry into the matter, but failed to find any corroborating evidence. Consequently, they could not take any action and thus decided to close the case on 09/22/2017.
A citizen complaint, filed on 09/12/2018, claimed that the bar sold alcohol to a minor and that staff was drinking on the job.
Authorities followed up soon after with an investigation. 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. In this particular instance, authorities had neither. As a result, the case came to a close on 11/30/2018.
Another law enforcement complaint, filed on 04/09/2019, accused staff of being intoxicated. This type of allegation is more serious than it might appear at first glance. Staff has a legal obligation to stop serving alcohol to patrons who exhibit signs of being dangerously intoxicated. If staff itself is intoxicated, its ability to judge when to stop serving is impaired.
Even when the source of the complaint is a police officer, the TABC still needs either video footage or testimony from one of its agents to take action. Having neither in this case, authorities wrapped up their investigation on 05/07/2019.
On 07/05/2019, the TABC received a citizen complaint, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a minor as well as to an intoxicated patron.
The ensuing investigation was not successful at proving that a criminal or administrative violation took place. With no other course of action available, authorities closed the case on 08/28/2019.
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.
