Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Cielo Latin Bar? 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.
Cielo Latin Bar is located in Spring, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted a substantial amount of attention from the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2016 and 2019, authorities conducted no fewer than four 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, 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 Cielo Latin Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Cielo Latin Bar Between 2016 and 2019
Spring - 314 Sawdust Road Suite 113
Allegations:
On 01/26/2016, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a patron under the age of 21.
The ensuing investigation was able to confirm the allegation, which authorities classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 02/27/2016.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 06/04/2016, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk customer and failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight).
While the subsequent investigation failed to find any evidence to support these claims, it did find proof of multiple unrelated administrative violations. After handing down the corresponding punishments, the TABC concluded its work on the case on 07/17/2016.
A member of the Spring community contacted the TABC on 12/01/2016, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person, in addition to permitting the possession of drugs on the premises.
TABC agents conducted an inquiry and found sufficient evidence to determine that the bar sold alcohol to a minor. The bar received an unspecified penalty for what was classified as an administrative violation, after which authorities closed the case on 01/22/2017.
The TABC received yet another citizen complaint on 09/09/2019, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
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 10/31/2019.
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.
