What You Should Know if You Are Thinking about a Liquor Liability Lawsuit against Logan's Roadhouse
In my over 30 years of suing negligent bars for claims related to liquor-law violations, I've had ample opportunity to witness just how serious the consequences can be when bars over-serve alcohol. To assist those who haven't had my first-hand experience gain a better understanding of the extent of this problem, I periodically investigate Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and report what I find here on my website. If you believe you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and would like to have your questions answered, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
In 1991, Dave Wachtel and Charles McWhorter founded Logan's Roadhouse in Lexington, Kentucky. With a menu built on Southern cuisine, the chain quickly established a reputation for its steaks, ribs, and of course, the complementary buckets of peanuts found at every table. CraftWorks Holdings, Inc. is the current owner, with headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. Though nearly 20 locations have closed in the last few years, 230 still remain in business.
Since 2015, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has conducted six investigations of suspected liquor law violations at various locations in recent years. Why does this matter? Because out of the hundreds of bars that I've sued for killing or seriously injuring someone due to illegal alcohol service, all but one or two were on the TABC's radar before the incident occurred. The bars I sued were warned, ignored the warning, and predictably tragic consequences resulted from their actions.
I want to emphasize that, just because an investigation occurred, it does not necessarily mean the bar in question committed a violation. All it means is that authorities believed there was enough evidence to warrant further inspection. In fact, no bar should be presumed to have broken the law until convicted in court. By the same token, if authorities investigate a bar but close the case without taking action, it could indicate either innocence or simply insufficient evidence for a conviction. What follows is a list of recent TABC investigations into Logan's Roadhouse.
Logan's Roadhouse Locations that TABC Has Investigated since 2015
Midland - 4609 Loop 250 West North
Allegation:
On 04/21/2015, an unnamed individual filed a complaint with TABC alleging that staff sold alcohol to a drunk patron. TABC subsequently opened an investigation into the claim.
In spite of a lengthy, five-month inquiry, there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal or administrative violation took place. Unable to take any action, TABC closed the file on 09/07/2015.
Odessa - 5105 E 42Nd Street
Allegation:
A citizen complaint on 07/07/2016 brought TABC to this location to look into the claim that the bar had failed to refuse service to an inebriated customer.
As is often the case, investigators came up empty handed and ended the investigation on 08/16/2016 without taking further action.
Rockwall - 560 Ih 30 East
Allegation:
A concerned member of the community reported this location to the authorities on 11/28/2016 for two alleged violations: serving alcohol to a drunk patron and staff dealing drugs on the premises.
The ensuing investigation did not produce any hard evidence that an infraction had occurred. As a result, TABC closed the case on 01/11/2017.
During my research, I discovered that this location is now permanently closed. Whether the reason for the closure was financial or otherwise, one can only speculate.
Fort Worth - 5912 Quebec Street
On 03/10/2017, law enforcement contacted TABC and claimed that two violations had occurred at this location. The charges were for allowing a minor to possess or consume alcohol and for selling alcohol to a minor. Though similar, they legally constitute two separate violations.
Once again, when it comes to taking action against a bar for violating liquor laws, a cop's word is not enough. The only evidence that will stand up in court is video footage of the incident or testimony from a TABC agent present to witness the violation. Lacking sufficient evidence, TABC shut this case on 04/26/2017.
Sherman - 3700 Hwy 75 North
Allegation:
On 10/02/2018, law enforcement tipped off TABC that staff at this location had allegedly served alcohol to an intoxicated patron.
The investigation lasted well over a month, but as is all too common, authorities did not find sufficient proof to take further action . Thus, the case concluded on 11/18/2018.
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.
