Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Ebb Tide Club and Sports Grill? Here's What You Need To Know
My firm has handled more dram shop cases than any other in Texas. With 30 years of experience behind me, I have seen countless examples of bars that fail to follow alcohol service regulations and the tragic consequences that can result. This issue is more rampant that people realize, and one of my goals is to bring it to the public's attention. One way I do this is by reviewing Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and posting about my findings. If you think you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and want to know how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
Ebb Tide Club and Sports Grill is located in Gainesville, Texas. Since opening in 2014, it has attracted a steady stream of business from locals and those on their way to and from WinStar Casino. In the process, it has also attracted a significant amount of attention from the TABC due to a number of complaints alleging liquor law violations. Between 2017 and 2019, authorities conducted no fewer than five investigations into alcohol service practices at Ebb Tide Club and Sports Grill.
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 Ebb Tide Club and Sports Grill for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Ebb Tide Club and Sports Grill Between 2017 and 2019
Gainesville - 301 N Commerce Street
Allegations:
On 07/14/2017, law enforcement contacted the TABC and alleged that the bar sold alcohol to a patron who was already over the limit.
Authorities looked into the matter and found sufficient evidence to support the allegation, which the TABC classified as an administrative violation. However, it appears that agents opted not to hand down any punishment and subsequently closed the case on 08/05/2017.
Law enforcement reached out to the TABC again on 03/13/2018, charging the bar again with selling alcohol to a drunk person.
Investigators found evidence to corroborate the claim, and the bar was hit with two citations for one criminal violation and one administrative violation. For whatever reason, authorities again opted not to apply any penalty. On 04/04/2018, the case concluded.
A third law enforcement complaint reached the TABC on 06/27/2018, claiming that the bar once again sold alcohol to an intoxicated customer.
For the third time in a row, TABC agents were able to prove that a violation took place, yet for some reason they did not hand down a penalty. On 07/21/2018, they closed the case.
The next law enforcement complaint, filed on 09/26/2018, alleged that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) took place and that the bar sold alcohol to an inebriated patron.
The ensuing investigation was not able to produce corroborating evidence for either claim. As a result, authorities could not take any action and decided to close the case on 11/03/2018.
The TABC received a further complaint from law enforcement on 10/09/2019, alleging that the bar was over-serving alcohol.
When agents investigated, they found no evidence to corroborate the claim, but they did find proof that staff was intoxicated on the job, which they classified as an administrative violation. After issuing a written warning, investigators shut the case on 12/06/2019.
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.
