Considering A Dram Shop Lawsuit Against LongHorn Steakhouse? We Have Some Important Information for You
When you're the founder of the law practice that's sued more bars for dram shop causes of action than anyone else in Texas, it gives you a deep understanding of just how prevalent negligent alcohol service is. But for those who are less familiar with how the restaurant industry works, the actual extent of the problem may not be as obvious. To help inform the public, I use a variety of methods, including gathering data from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's database and sharing what I find. If you would like to discuss a possible Dram Shop claim, I encourage you to call me today at (855) 326-0000.
LongHorn Steakhouse was founded in 1981 in Atlanta, GA. As the restaurant grew, its locations spread throughout the Eastern United States. Today, it is owned and operated by Darden Restaurants and boasts $1.6 billion in annual sales from 481 locations worldwide.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Investigated LongHorn Steakhouse for various violations including failing to report fights, serving alcohol to minors, and allowing the possession of drugs inside their restaurants.
Simply because a LongHorn Steakhouse location was investigated, it does not mean that they are a location that displays a pattern of violating TABC code. Conversely, if a location has been investigated and investigators determine that they are not in violation of TABC code, that does not mean that the alleged violation did not take place. At times, sufficient evidence required to prove that either criminal or administrative violations occurred is hard to come by. We are simply reporting the locations that were put on the TABC's radar for one reason or another by concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies.
LongHorn Steakhouse Locations that Have Been Investigated by the TABC Since 2008
Corpus Christi - 4535 S Padre Island Drive Space 33
Allegation:
On 9/22/2008, an anonymous tipster alleged that this location may have sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
Upon further review, TABC investigators did not find enough evidence in order to corroborate the claim and closed the investigation on 10/25/2008 with no criminal or administrative violations found.
Texarkana - 3912 Saint Michael Drive
Allegation:
On 9/14/2011, a concerned citizen alleged that this LongHorn Steakhouse location had allowed an employee to get drunk on the job and that employee then got in an altercation with one of the patrons.
TABC officials found that there was no punishment needed and closed the case on the same day.
San Antonio - 5803 Loop 1604 Northwest
Allegation:
On 8/27/2012, it was alleged that this location had failed to report a breach of the peace (which is usually a physical altercation between patrons or a patron and an employee).
TABC detectives found sufficient evidence to corroborate the accusations and gave a written warning prior to closing their investigation on 12/6/2012.
Then, on 3/18/2013 this same location was alleged to have violated a marketing regulation.
After three days of investigation, the case was closed without any consequences on 3/21/2013.
San Antonio - 7439 San Pedro Ave
Allegation:
On 3/18/2013, a private citizen alleged that this had violated a marketing violation.
Apparently there was not enough evidence in order to move further with the matter and closed the case on 3/21/2013.
New Braunfels - 4330 Hwy 6 South
Allegation:
A member of the community alleged on 3/18/2013 that this location had violated TABC marketing guidelines.
TABC investigators looked into the matter and closed the case on 3/22/2013 with no fines levied.
San Antonio - 22503 Hwy 281 North Building 2
Allegation:
On 3/18/2013, a concerned citizen alleged that there was a marketing violation.
After four days the case was closed on 3/22/2013, with no further action taken.
San Antonio - 7833 IH 35
Allegation:
On 3/18/2013, a member of the San Antonio community alleged that there was a marketing violation of some kind and TABC investigators were notified.
On 3/21/2013, the matter was closed due to lack of corroborating evidence found.
San Antonio - 5706 Loop 1604 North West
Allegation:
On 3/18/2013, a member of the San Antonio community alleged that there was a marketing violation of some kind and TABC investigators were notified.
On 3/21/2013, the matter was closed due to lack of corroborating evidence found.
San Antonio- 5803 North Loop 1604 West
Allegation:
On 3/7/2014, it was alleged by a concerned citizen that there an employee was in the possession of drugs and intoxicated.
Later, on 4/26/2014, the TABC investigators closed the matter after being unable to push the matter further due to possible lack of evidence.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas "dram shop" law (i.e. liqour liability law / lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
