What You Should Know if You Are Considering a Dram Shop Case against The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
For the last 30 years, my firm has been suing negligent bars for over-serving alcohol. I have litigated more liquor liability cases than anyone else in the state of Texas. In the process, I have witnessed the harm that bad bars inflict on people's lives. In order to raise the public's awareness of the extent of this problem, I often investigate Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and report what I find here on my website. If you believe you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and have doubts about how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
In 1995, Keith Schlabs founded The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Fort Worth, Texas. As the name indicates, the bulk of its business flows from the dozens of taps at each location, but in recent years it has also gained popularity for its chef-driven menu. At present, the brand has expanded to include 16 locations across six states. Though still relatively small when compared to a competitor like World of Beer, The Flying Saucer has managed to make a name for itself in a highly competitive industry.
Some people think that if a bar is open long enough, illegal alcohol service complaints are bound to follow. My experience suing bars shows me two things: first, most bars aren't on the TABC's radar because they follow the rules. Second, practically every bar that I've ever sued had TABC complaints prior to the incident that killed or seriously injured someone. These were red flags that went ignored.
I want to make clear that, when an investigation occurs, it does not mean the bar in question committed a violation. All it means is that authorities felt there was enough evidence to warrant a closer look. No bar should be presumed to have broken the law until convicted in court. By the same token, if authorities investigate a bar but close the case without taking action, it could indicate either innocence or simply insufficient evidence for a conviction. What follows is a list of TABC investigations into The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in recent years.
The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Locations that TABC Investigated between 2016 and 2019
Houston - 705 Main St Suite A
Allegation:
On 08/17/2016, a concerned citizen filed a complaint alleging that staff served alcohol to an underage patron as well as to a drunk person. TABC subsequently performed an investigation into the matter.
Considering how difficult it is to substantiate claims of this nature without video evidence, it's no surprise that TABC came up empty handed. Unable to prove that the bar had committed a violation, authorities closed the case on 10/06/2016.
Garland - 4821 Bass Pro Drive
Allegations:
A member of the Garland community lodged a complaint with TABC on 01/03/2018, claiming that this location had sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Authorities performed an inquiry into the allegation, but could not find enough proof to make the charge stick. After nearly two months of investigation, TABC concluded the investigation on 02/28/2018.
On 02/26/2019, a new citizen complaint triggered yet another investigation into whether staff were dispensing alcoholic beverages to a patron who was already over the limit.
Once again, without solid evidence, authorities shut the case on 04/10/2019 without taking any further action.
San Antonio - 11255 Huber Road Building 2 Suite 212
Allegation:
TABC conducted an investigation into this location following a complaint filed by law enforcement that alleged that staff sold alcohol to an inebriated customer on 08/16/2019.
On 10/09/2019, authorities closed the file due to a lack of proof to corroborate the claim.
Sugar Land - 15929 City Walk
A concerned citizen reported this location to TABC on 08/22/2019, claiming that staff permitted a minor to possess or consume alcohol.
The investigation that followed was not able produce any hard evidence. Thus, TABC concluded its inquiry into the matter on 11/09/2019 and took no further action.
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.
