Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Club Pachanga Austin? 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.
Club Pachanga Austin is located in Austin, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2019, authorities conducted three separate investigations into the club'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 Club Pachanga Austin for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Club Pachanga Austin Between 2015 and 2019
Austin - 2120 E Riverside Drive
Allegations:
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 02/25/2015, claiming that the club permitted the possession of drugs on the premises and that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred.
Upon investigation, authorities found sufficient evidence to determine that the club failed to report a breach of the peace, which they classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 04/17/2015.
On 09/28/2016, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that staff was drinking on the job and 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 10/25/2016.
A second law enforcement complaint, filed on 02/27/2019, accused the club of selling alcohol to a minor, allowing alcohol to be removed from the premises, and allowing customers to both purchase and consume alcohol during prohibited hours.
While the ensuing investigation was unable to confirm any of the initial allegations, authorities did find evidence that the club sold alcohol to an intoxicated person, which they classified as both a criminal and administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 04/20/2019.
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.