Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Hop Shop? Here's What You Need To Know
For three decades, I've been holding bars accountable for over-serving alcohol. In the hundreds of cases I've handled, I've seen just how widespread irresponsible alcohol service is, as well as the tragedies that often follow in its wake. While people might see or hear about drunk driving accidents from time to time, rarely do they hear about the role that reckless bars play in those accidents. In order to draw more attention to this issue, I dedicate a portion of my time to investigating the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and reporting my findings here on my website. If you believe you may have a dram shop claim, please call my office at (855) 326-0000.
Hop Shop is a bar located in Harlingen, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. In 2014 alone, authorities conducted two separate 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 Hop Shop for criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Hop Shop in 2014
Harlingen - 923 S 7Th Street
Allegations:
On 03/20/2014, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol both to an obviously intoxicated person and during prohibited hours, in addition to permitting the possession of drugs and an alcoholic beverage acquired at another retailer on the premises.
Authorities looked into the matter shortly 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. Having neither in this investigation, authorities decided to close the case on 04/15/2014.
A member of the Harlingen community reached out to the TABC on 12/22/2014, claiming that the bar allowed the possession of an alcoholic beverage acquired at another retailer.
Upon investigation, authorities found evidence to support the claim, in addition to finding evidence that the bar allowed an unauthorized alcoholic beverage on the premises - both of which they classified as administrative violations. After handing down unspecified penalties, the TABC closed the case on 01/02/2015.
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.
