Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Frontera Vivo Bar? Here's What You Need To Know
I've been suing irresponsible bars for over-serving alcohol for 30 years. My experience handling hundreds of cases has repeatedly shown me just how many bars fail to follow alcohol service regulations, as well as the tragedies that all too often result. While people might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, they don't tend to hear about the role that reckless bars play in those accidents. In order to call more attention to this issue, I dedicate a portion 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, don't hesitate to call me at (855) 326-0000.
Frontera Vivo Bar is located in South Houston. In recent years, it has attracted the TABC's attention on a number of occasions due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2016, authorities conducted three separate investigations into the bar's alcohol service practices.
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 Frontera Vivo Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Frontera Vivo Bar Between 2015 and 2016
South Houston - 1202 Houston Boulevard
Allegations:
The TABC received a complaint from law enforcement on 08/14/2015 that alleged the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) took place.
Upon investigation, authorities were able to find enough evidence to substantiate the second claim, which they classified as an administrative violation. After issuing a written warning, they closed the case on 09/23/2015.
Law enforcement reached out to the TABC on 03/17/2016, alleging that the bar sold alcohol both to a drunk patron and during prohibited hours, in addition to failing to report a breach of the peace.
TABC agents looked into the matter but they were only able to find evidence that the bar permitted customers to consume alcohol during prohibited hours, which they classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, authorities closed the case on 05/06/2016.
On 06/02/2016, law enforcement filed a complaint that alleged the bar sold and permitted the consumption of alcohol during prohibited hours.
Authorities followed up soon after 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
07/16/2016.
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.
