Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Lago Del Pino? 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.

Lago Del Pino is located in Tyler, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2017 and 2019, authorities conducted four separate investigations into the restaurant'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 Lago Del Pino for possible criminal or administrative violations.

TABC Investigations of Lago Del Pino Between 2017 and 2019

Tyler - 14706 Crd 1134

Allegations:

Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 02/21/2017, alleging that the restaurant sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.

While the ensuing investigation did not turn up any evidence to support the initial allegation, authorities did find evidence of other miscellaneous administrative violations. After issuing a written warning, the TABC closed the case on 04/25/2017.

On 06/01/2017, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the restaurant sold alcohol to a minor.

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 07/06/2017.

The TABC received a citizen complaint on 07/06/2017, alleging that staff was drinking on the job and that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred.

Upon investigation, authorities were able to determine that the restaurant failed to report a breach of the peace, which they classified as an administrative violation. After issuing a written warning, the TABC concluded its work on 09/05/2017.

A member of the Tyler community reached out to the TABC on 07/10/2019, claiming that staff permitted a minor to possess or consume alcohol.

TABC agents looked into the matter and found evidence to support the claim, which they classified as both a criminal and administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, authorities closed the case on 07/25/2019.

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.