Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Fatty's? Here's What You Need To Know
In the 30 years that I've been suing reckless bars for over-serving alcohol, I've handled hundreds of cases. My experience has shown me time and again just how many bars consistently fail to follow alcohol service regulations. While people might see or hear of a drunk driving accident now and then, it is less common for them to hear about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. One of my goals is to increase the public's awareness of this issue. With that in mind, I dedicate some of my time to reviewing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and reporting my findings here on my website. If you think you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and have questions about how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
Fatty's is a bar located in Seabrook, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC on multiple occasions due to a number of complaints alleging liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2017, authorities conducted four separate investigations into alcohol service practices at Fatty's.
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 cause 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 Fatty's for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Fatty's Between 2015 and 2017
Seabrook - 1717 2nd Street Suite E
Allegations:
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 02/11/2015, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk person and failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight).
The TABC conducted an inquiry into the matter and found sufficient evidence to prove that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated patron. As punishment, the bar received an unspecified penalty and staff had to take alcohol service education courses. On 04/07/2015, the case came to an end.
A member of the Seabrook community contacted the TABC on 06/03/2016, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to a patron who was already over the limit and that a breach of the peace took place.
After nearly two months of investigation, authorities failed to turn up any evidence of a violation. Unable to take any further action, they decided to close the case on 07/26/2016.
On 08/22/2016, a concerned citizen reached out to the TABC and alleged that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk patron.
Upon investigating, TABC agents were able to find evidence to support the claim. After issuing citations for both criminal and administrative violations, authorities closed the case without handing down any punishment on 09/10/2016.
A staff member got in touch with the TABC on 10/31/2017 and claimed that a breach of the peace occurred.
The ensuing investigation did not turn up any proof of a violation. Consequently, authorities could not take any action, leading to their decision to wrap up their work on 10/31/2017.
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.
