Considering A Dram Shop Case Against B29? Here's What You Need To Know
My firm has handled more liquor liability (dram shop) cases than anyone else in Texas. With over 30 years of practice behind me, I can attest to just how many bars regularly fail to adhere to alcohol service laws, particularly when it comes to their obligation to refuse service to patrons who are already drunk. While the public might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, it is much less common for it to hear about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. In order to increase people's awareness of this problem, I dedicate a portion of my time to researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint database and reporting my findings here on my website. If you think you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and have questions about how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
B29 is a bar located in Del Rio, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2016 and 2019, authorities conducted two 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 B29 for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of B29 Between 2016 and 2019
Del Rio - 102 1/2 Fermin Calderon Boulevard
Allegations:
Law enforcement filed a complaint with the TABC on 01/07/2016, claiming that a breach of the peace occurred and that the bar failed to report it (a separate violation in itself).
The ensuing investigation was able to prove both allegations, which authorities classified as administrative violations. After handing down unspecified penalties, the TABC closed the case on 03/08/2016.
A second law enforcement complaint, filed on 03/28/2019, alleged that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person.
While authorities didn't find any evidence to support either allegation, they did find evidence that the bar sold alcohol during prohibited hours, which they classified as an administrative violation. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC concluded its work on the case on 06/12/2019.
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.
