Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Copper Caboose Restaurant and Bar? 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.

Copper Caboose Restaurant and Bar is located in Lubbock, 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 five 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 Copper Caboose Restaurant and Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.

TABC Investigations of Copper Caboose Restaurant and Bar Between 2015 and 2019

Lubbock - 5609 Villa Drive

Allegations:

On 01/05/2015, a staff member filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) took place. While it might seem strange that a staff member would be the source of a TABC complaint, employees have a legal obligation to report any violations they see in the workplace.

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 01/30/2015.

The TABC received a complaint on 10/20/2015 that alleged a breach of the peace took place.

As mentioned in the previous investigation summary, the TABC relies heavily on video footage to back up most claims of wrongdoing. Since authorities had no such evidence in this investigation, they could not take any action, leading to their decision to close the case on 12/07/2015.

A concerned citizen reached out to the TABC on 02/01/2016, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk patron.

TABC agents conducted an inquiry, but due to a lack of video evidence, they could not determine the veracity of the claim. As a result, investigators could not take any further action, leading to their decision to close the case on 03/29/2016.

The next citizen complaint to reach the TABC came on 02/21/2018, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to a minor.

An investigation ensued, but authorities were ultimately unable to produce sufficient evidence of wrongdoing to take any action. Left with no other option, the TABC closed the case on 04/21/2018.

Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 12/19/2019, claiming that staff sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.

After looking into the matter for over four months, the TABC still had not found sufficient evidence to corroborate the claim. Consequently, authorities chose to conclude their work on the case on 04/25/2020.

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.