Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Blind Horse Saloon? 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.
Blind Horse Saloon is a bar and dance club in Weatherford, Texas. While many people know it for having one of the largest dance floors west of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the TABC is more familiar with it for a number of recent complaints alleging liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2019, authorities conducted four investigations into alcohol service practices at Blind Horse Saloon.
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 Blind Horse Saloon for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Blind Horse Saloon Between 2015 and 2019
Weatherford - 1886 Mineral Wells Hwy Suite 103
Allegations:
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 05/16/2015 and alleged that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred.
Authorities investigated and found sufficient evidence to prove two administrative violations took place: a breach of the peace and a failure to report a breach of the peace. After handing down unspecified penalties, TABC agents closed this case on 07/04/2015.
A second law enforcement complaint on 02/16/2016 accused the bar of selling alcohol to a person who was obviously drunk.
The ensuing investigation was not successful at determining the veracity of the claim. Unable to take any further action, authorities closed this case on 04/17/2016.
A concerned citizen reached out to the TABC on 11/28/2016 and claimed that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and a drunk person.
The TABC launched an investigation shortly thereafter. 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 01/15/2017.
Nearly two years later, the TABC returned after receiving a law enforcement complaint that alleged the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Due to a lack of video evidence, authorities were not able to prove the validity of the claim. Even when a complaint comes from the police, the TABC still requires hard evidence in order to issue a citation. With no other course of action available, authorities shut this case on 03/29/2019.
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.
