Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & 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.
Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & Grill is located in El Campo, Texas. Known for regularly hosting live music events and for its menu featuring everything from oysters and steak to sushi, the restaurant has established a strong reputation with locals. However, in recent years, it has also had a number of encounters with the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2016 and 2017 alone, authorities conducted no fewer than four investigations into alcohol service practices at Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & Grill.
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 Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & Grill for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Greek Bros. Oyster Bar & Grill Between 2016 and 2017
El Campo - 133-35 S Mechanic Street
Allegations:
On 12/05/2015, an unnamed source contacted the TABC and alleged that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person, and that staff was drinking on the job. The last allegation is more serious than it might appear at first glance. Staff has a legal obligation to stop serving alcohol to patrons who exhibit signs of being dangerously intoxicated. If staff is drinking, its ability to determine when it needs to stop serving is impaired.
Authorities looked into the matter soon thereafter. 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 02/02/2016.
A second anonymous complaint reached the TABC on 01/30/2016 and accused the bar of the exact same violations as the previous one - selling alcohol to both an underage and drunk person, as well as staff drinking on the job.
The ensuing investigation was not able to uncover any evidence of a violation and, as a result, authorities were unable to take any action. The TABC subsequently closed the case on 03/23/2016.
A concerned citizen filed a complaint on 04/11/2017, charging that the bar permitted a minor to possess or consume alcohol, allowed the consumption of alcohol during prohibited hours, and permitted the removal of an alcoholic beverage from the premises.
TABC agents launched an investigation into the matter, but were unable to find any proof of a violation. With no other course of action available, authorities brought the case to a close on 06/02/2017.
On 04/11/2017, a member of the El Campo community contacted the TABC alleging unspecified violations.
The case remained open for over six months, but authorities did not locate any hard proof of a violation. Unable to take any further action, TABC agents decided to wrap up their work on the case on 10/19/2018.
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.
