Considering A Dram Shop Case Against McNease Convention Center? Here's What You Need To Know
My firm has handled more liquor liability (dram shop) cases than anyone else in Texas. With over 30 years of practice behind me, I can attest to just how many bars regularly fail to adhere to alcohol service laws, particularly when it comes to their obligation to refuse service to patrons who are already drunk. While the public might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, it is much less common for it to hear about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. In order to increase people's awareness of this problem, I dedicate a portion of my time to researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint database 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, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
McNease Convention Center is located in San Angelo, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2020, authorities conducted three separate investigations into the bar's alcohol service practices.
In my experience, it's 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 contribute to 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 McNease Convention Center for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of McNease Convention Center Between 2018 and 2020
San Angelo - 501 Rio Concho Dr
Allegations:
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 12/01/2018, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Upon investigation, authorities found evidence that staff made alcohol available to minors, one count of public intoxication, and six counts of minors possessing alcohol. All of the offenses were classified as criminal violations. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC closed the case on 12/19/2018.
A second law enforcement complaint, filed on 01/31/2019, alleged that staff sold alcohol to a drunk person.
The ensuing investigation produced evidence of three counts of minors possessing alcohol and one count of a false or altered ID, all of which authorities classified as criminal violation. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC closed the case on 03/05/2019.
A concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC on 02/15/2020, claiming that staff sold alcohol to a minor.
TABC agents investigated and found evidence that a minor possessed or consumed alcohol, which they classified as a criminal violation. For some reason, authorities once again declined to hand down any punishment, choosing instead to close the case on 02/26/2020.
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.
