Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Flips Patio 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.
Flips Patio Grill is a restaurant with locations in both Grapevine and Fort Worth, Texas. Known for its freshly ground burgers, bread baked in house, and a wide selection of craft beer on tap, it has established a solid following among locals. Over the years, however, Flips Patio Grill has also managed to attract a significant amount of attention from the TABC due to a number of complaints alleging liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2019, authorities have conducted a combined total of eight investigations into alcohol service practices at the two locations.
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 Flips Patio Grill for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Flips Patio Grill Between 2015 and 2019
Fort Worth - 6613 Fossil Bluff Drive
Allegations:
A concerned citizen contacted the TABC on 02/12/2016 and alleged that staff at this location sold alcohol to a customer who was already over the limit.
Authorities followed up soon thereafter with an investigation. 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 particular instance, authorities had neither. As a result, the case came to a close on 04/12/2016.
On 06/16/2016, a citizen complaint accused this location of allowing patrons to consume alcohol during prohibited hours.
The TABC looked into the matter, but as in the previous investigation, authorities were unable to determine the veracity of the allegations due to a lack of video evidence. As a result, investigators decided to end their efforts on 08/19/2016.
One day before the previous investigation ended, a new citizen complaint reached the TABC. This time, the allegation was that staff sold alcohol to an intoxicated patron.
The ensuing investigation was not able to locate enough evidence to corroborate the claim. Unable to take any action, TABC agents closed this case on 10/01/2016.
Grapevine - 415 Hwy 114 West
Allegations:
A member of the Grapevine community reached out to the TABC on 06/16/2016, alleging that this location allowed customers to consume alcohol during prohibited hours.
After a relatively quick investigation, authorities were able to confirm the claim, for which they issued a citation. On 07/07/2016, work on the case concluded.
Just five days later, on 07/12/2017, a citizen complaint brought the TABC back to investigate another charge of allowing customers to drink alcohol during prohibited hours.
For a second time, authorities were able to locate evidence to substantiate the claim. After issuing a citation and handing down an unspecified punishment, TABC agents wrapped up their work on the case on 08/01/2017.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 07/27/2018 and alleged that this location failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight) and sold alcohol to a drunk customer.
The resulting investigation found proof to support the first allegation, for which the TABC issued a written warning. On 08/23/2018, authorities closed the case.
On 02/26/2019, a citizen complaint alleging that staff sold alcohol to an intoxicated patron led to another TABC investigation.
This time, investigators failed to uncover any corroborating evidence. Unable to take any further action, TABC agent shut this case on 04/18/2019.
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.
