Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Linda's Lounge? Here's What You Need To Know
I've sued more reckless bars for failing to adhere to liquor laws than anyone else in the state of Texas. With three decades of experience and hundreds of cases behind me, I have seen just how frequently bars put profit before safety and over-serve alcohol, in spite of their legal obligation to serve responsibly. While the general public might see or hear of drunk driving accidents from time to time, it doesn't tend to hear as much about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. In order to raise more awareness of this topic, I spend a portion of my time researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint database and writing about my findings here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim, don't hesitate to call my office at (855) 326-0000.
Linda's Lounge is a bar located in Raymondville, Texas. While it is a small operation, it has managed to attract a substantial amount of attention from the TABC in recent years due to several allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2019, authorities conducted no fewer than five investigations into alcohol service practices at Linda's Lounge.
In my experience, it is rare for a bar without a history of TABC investigations to end up on the hook for a wrongful death or injury. Virtually all of the bars I have sued were already on the authorities' radar. That's why I pay close attention when I see bars with several recent complaints on file; the more investigations they have, the more concerned I become that they could one day contribute to 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 Linda's Lounge for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Linda's Lounge Between 2015 and 2019
Raymondville - 355 N 6th Street
Allegations:
On 01/08/2015, law enforcement filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk patron.
TABC agents looked into the matter and were able to find evidence to corroborate the claim. After handing down an unspecified penalty, investigators closed the case on 02/05/2015.
A concerned citizen contacted the TABC on 02/11/2015, claiming that staff was drinking on the job.
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 03/07/2015.
On 05/05/2015, a member of the Raymondville community reached out to the TABC, charging that the bar served alcohol to a minor.
As in the previous investigation, the TABC did not have access to any video evidence to corroborate the claim. Unable to take any further action, authorities decided to shut the case that very same day.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 03/08/2016, alleging that the bar failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight).
This time, investigators were able to find evidence to corroborate the claim, which they classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, TABC agents wrapped up their work on the case on 03/11/2016.
A citizen complaint, filed on 01/16/2019, alleged that staff was selling drugs on the premises.
As mentioned previously, the TABC relies heavily on video evidence to back up most allegations of wrongdoing. In this case, authorities had no such evidence and could not take any action. After over three months of investigation, the case came to a close on 04/28/2019.
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.
