Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Fat Boss's Pub? Here's What You Need To Know
I've sued more reckless bars for failing to adhere to liquor laws than anyone else in the state of Texas. With three decades of experience and hundreds of cases behind me, I have seen just how frequently bars put profit before safety and over-serve alcohol, in spite of their legal obligation to serve responsibly. While people might see or hear of drunk driving accidents from time to time, they don't tend to hear as much about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. In order to raise more awareness of this topic, I spend a portion of my time researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint database and writing about my findings here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim, don't hesitate to call my office at (855) 326-0000.
Fat Boss's Pub is a small chain of bars with locations in Abilene and San Angelo, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted a substantial amount of attention from the TABC due to allegetions of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2020, authorities conducted no fewer than seven investigations into the chain's alcohol service practices.
In my three decades of legal practice, rarely have I seen bar end up involved in a wrongful death or injury case that didn't have a history of complaints on file with TABC. Almost every bar I've ever sued was already on the authorities radar, so when I see a bar that has been investigated several times over a short period, it raises my concern that it could one day play a part in 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 Fat Boss's Pub for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Fat Boss's Pub Between 2018 and 2020
San Angelo - 114 S Chadbourne Street
Allegations:
On 02/20/2018, a staff member filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight).
Upon investigation, authorities were able to find evidence to support the allegation, which they classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, authorities closed the case on 02/24/2018.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 08/18/2018, claiming the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person.
TABC agents looked into the matter, but they only found evidence to support the second claim. After deciding not to punish the bar, authorities closed the case on 09/28/2018.
A concerned citizen filed a complaint on 09/13/2018, claiming the bar sold alcohol to a patron who was already drunk.
Authorities investigated and found evidence to support the allegation, but as in the previous investigation, they decided not to hand down any punishment. On 11/16/2018, they closed the case without further action.
The TABC received a citizen complaint on 11/20/2018, claiming the bar sold alcohol to an obviously drunk customer.
An investigation ensued and uncovered corroborating evidence, however, for the third time in a row, authorities opted not to punish the bar. On 07/18/2019, authorities ended their work on the case.
Law enforcement lodged another complaint on 01/17/2020, accusing the bar of selling alcohol to an intoxicated patron.
The TABC conducted an inquiry, but did not find evidence to back up the claim. With no other course of action available, investigators decided to close the case on 02/10/2020.
On 01/21/2020, a citizen complaint alleged the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated customer.
Authorities investigated, but they failed to find any proof of wrongdoing. Consequently, they decided to wrap up their work on the case on 02/10/2020.
Abilene - 216 Pine Street
Allegation:
On 04/17/2018, the TABC received a complaint from staff at this location, alleging a breach of the peace occurred.
The subsequent investigation did not manage to turn up any hard evidence of a criminal or administrative violation. Unable to take any further action, authorities closed the case on 05/29/2018.
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.
