Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Fuzion Bar & Lounge? 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.
Fuzion Bar & Lounge is an upscale nightclub located in Pasadena, Texas. Recently, it has attracted a substantial amount of attention from the TABC due to a number of complaints alleging liquor law violations. Over just a five month period in 2019, authorities conducted three separate investigations into alcohol service practices at Fuzion Bar & Lounge.
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 play a part in 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 Fuzion Bar & Lounge for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Fuzion Bar & Lounge in 2019
Pasadena - 6915 Spencer Hwy Suite 103
Allegations:
On 02/26/2019, the TABC received a complaint from a concerned citizen, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a minor.
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 04/04/2019.
A staff member filed a complaint on 07/23/2019, charging that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) took place. While it might seem strange that a staff member would be the source of a complaint, employees are legally obligated to report any violations they see on the job.
After three months of investigation, authorities were not able to locate any hard evidence of a criminal or administrative violation. Without any other course of action available, they decided to close the case on 10/25/2019.
Another staff complaint, filed on 07/23/2019, alleged that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
The TABC looked into the matter, but failed to turn up any proof of wrongdoing. Unable to take any further action, authorities wrapped up their work on the case on 11/03/2019.
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.
