Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Halftime Grill & Cantina? Here's What You Need To Know
My firm has sued more bars for liquor law violations than any other in Texas. In my over 30 years of experience, I have repeatedly seen just how serious the consequences can be when bars over-serve alcohol. While the public might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, it's much less common to hear about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. One of my goals is to raise awareness about the extent of this problem. To this end, I dedicate some of my time to investigating Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and reporting what I find here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and would like to learn about how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
Halftime Grill & Cantina is located in Odessa, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, authorities conducted no fewer than six investigations into the bar's alcohol service practices.
In my experience, it's 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 contribute to 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 Halftime Grill & Cantina for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Halftime Grill & Cantina Between 2018 and 2019
Odessa - 2120 Andrews Hwy
Allegations:
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 08/23/2018, claiming that the bar failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight).
Upon investigation, authorities were able to confirm the allegation, which they classified as an administrative violation. After issuing a written warning, the TABC concluded its work on the case on 10/19/2018.
A second law enforcement complaint reached the TABC on 11/28/2018, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person.
The ensuing investigation found evidence that the bar served alcohol to a minor (both a criminal and administrative violation) and allowed a minor to possess or consume alcohol (a criminal violation). After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 01/26/2019.
The TABC received a third law enforcement complaint on 03/26/2019, alleging that the bar served alcohol to both a drunk customer and a minor.
Authorities looked into the matter shortly thereafter. Even when the source of a complaint is a police officer, 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. Having neither in this investigation, authorities decided to close the case on 05/23/2019.
The next law enforcement complaint to reach the TABC came on 06/28/2019, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk person.
An investigation ensued, with authorities finding sufficient evidence to corroborate the claim. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC concluded its work on the case on 11/25/2019.
After yet another complaint from law enforcement on 07/09/2019, the TABC returned to investigate an alleged breach of the peace.
As mentioned in a previous investigation summary, the TABC relies heavily on video footage to back up most claims of wrongdoing. Since authorities had no such evidence in this investigation, they could not take any action, leading to their decision to close the case on 10/12/2019.
On 12/18/2019, a further law enforcement complaint accused the bar of selling alcohol to a drunk customer and alleged that a breach of the peace occurred.
The subsequent investigation uncovered sufficient evidence for authorities to confirm the first allegation, which they classified as both a criminal and administrative violation. After opting not to hand down any punishment, the TABC wrapped up its work on the case on 03/11/2020.
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.
