Considering A Dram Shop Case Against 3 Hanks Dancehall & Roadhouse? 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.
3 Hanks Dancehall & Roadhouse is located in Seymour, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted a substantial amount of TABC attention due to a number of allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2019, authorities conducted four separate investigations into the bar's alcohol service 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 3 Hanks Dancehall & Roadhouse for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of 3 Hanks Dancehall & Roadhouse Between 2018 and 2019
Seymour - 910 N Main Street
Allegations:
On 05/07/2018, the TABC received a complaint from an unnamed source, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person.
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 06/16/2018.
A concerned citizen filed a complaint on 10/26/2018, claiming that their sold alcohol to an underage patron and during prohibited hours.
As stated in the previous investigation summary, the TABC relies heavily on video footage to determine the validity of most allegations of wrongdoing. Since they did not have any such evidence in this investigation, they closed the case on 12/15/2018.
A member of the Seymour community reached out to the TABC on 01/30/2019, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a minor and permitted the possession of drugs on the premises.
The ensuing investigation was not successful at proving either of the allegations. As a result, authorities could not take any action. On 03/31/2019, investigators closed the case.
On 10/01/2019, a citizen complaint brought the TABC back to investigate once again. On this occasion, the allegation was that staff was drinking on the job. This type of allegation is more serious than it appears 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 drinking, its ability to determine when to cut off service is impaired, which could lead to over-service.
After a month and a half of investigation, authorities could not determine the veracity of the claim. With no other course of action available, TABC agents closed the case on 11/14/2019.
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.
