Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Evil Olive? 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.
Evil Olive is a bar located in San Antonio, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the TABC's attention on multiple occasions due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2017 and 2019, authorities have conducted three 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 Evil Olive for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Evil Olive Between 2017 and 2019
San Antonio - 2950 Thousand Oaks #5 And 6
Allegations:
On 07/18/2017, the TABC received a complaint from a concerned citizen, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered sufficient evidence to support the claim, in addition to two counts of public intoxication. After issuing three warning citations, TABC agents closed the case on 08/11/2017.
A member of the San Antonio community filed a complaint with the TABC on 11/19/2019, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk person.
The ensuing investigation was not successful at proving the initial allegation, but it did manage to find proof of public intoxication. After issuing a warning citation, authorities closed the case on 01/15/2020.
Law enforcement filed a complaint with the TABC on 12/23/2019, claiming that the bar again sold alcohol to a patron who was over the limit.
Even when a police officer is the source of a complaint, 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. In this investigation, authorities had neither, resulting in their decision to close the case on 02/22/2020.
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.
