Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Bushwood? Here's What You Need To Know
I've been suing irresponsible bars for over-serving alcohol for 30 years. My experience handling hundreds of cases has repeatedly shown me just how many bars fail to follow alcohol service regulations, as well as the tragedies that all too often result. While people might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, they don't tend to hear about the role that reckless bars play in those accidents. In order to call more attention to this issue, I dedicate a portion of my time to reviewing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records 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, don't hesitate to call me at (855) 326-0000.
Bushwood is a bar located in San Antonio, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, authorities conducted three separate investigations into the bar's alcohol service practices.
In my experience, it is 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 cause 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 Bushwood for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Bushwood Between 2018 and 2019
San Antonio - 13800 Jones Maltsberger Road
Allegations:
On 04/19/2018, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and permitted the possession of drugs on the premises.
Authorities looked into the matter 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. Having neither in this investigation, authorities decided to close the case on 06/17/2018.
A member of the San Antonio community reached out to the TABC on 10/09/2018, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person, in addition to permitted the possession of drugs on the premises.
Upon investigation, authorities found evidence of one count of public intoxication, which they classified as a criminal violation. After issuing a written warning, the TABC closed the case on 12/03/2018.
The TABC received a citizen complaint on 01/23/2019, accusing the bar of selling alcohol to both an intoxicated person and a minor.
The ensuing investigation was able to confirm that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated patron, which authorities classified as both an administrative and criminal violation. Additionally, authorities found evidence of one count of public intoxication (a criminal violation). After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC brought its work on the case to a close on 02/05/2019.
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.
