Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Little Chief Sports Bar? 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.
Little Chief Sports Bar is located in Texas City, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2016 and 2018, authorities conducted four separate investigations into the bar'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 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 Little Chief Sports Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Little Chief Sports Bar Between 2016 and 2018
Texas City - 2305 25Th Ave North
Allegations:
On 07/29/2016, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a minor.
While the ensuing investigation failed to produce any evidence to support the initial allegation, it did find evidence that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and permitted the possession of drugs on the premises. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 08/19/2016.
A member of the Texas City community reached out to the TABC on 08/15/2017, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person.
Upon investigation, authorities were able to confirm the second allegation, which they classified as an administrative violation. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC closed the case on 10/15/2017.
The TABC received a citizen complaint on 07/12/2018, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk customer and that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred.
The subsequent investigation did not find any corroborating evidence of the alleged violations, though it did manage to turn up evidence that staff was drinking on the job, which authorities considered an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 08/31/2018.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 09/26/2018, accusing the bar of selling alcohol to an intoxicated person, allowing staff to sell drugs on the premises, and employing a person under the age of 18 to sell alcohol.
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 11/02/2018.
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.
