Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Mexicano Grille? Here's What You Need To Know
For three decades, I've been holding bars accountable for over-serving alcohol. In the hundreds of cases I've handled, I've seen just how widespread irresponsible alcohol service is, as well as the tragedies that often follow in its wake. While people might see or hear about drunk driving accidents from time to time, rarely do they hear about the role that reckless bars play in those accidents. In order to draw more attention to this issue, I dedicate a portion of my time to investigating the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and reporting my findings here on my website. If you believe you may have a dram shop claim, please call my office at (855) 326-0000.
Mexicano Grille is located in Hewitt, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. In 2019 alone, authorities conducted two separate investigations into the restaurant'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 Mexicano Grille for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Mexicano Grille in 2019
Hewitt - 259 N Hewitt Drive
Allegations:
On On 10/04/2019, law enforcement contacted the TABC, claiming that the restaurant sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and that a breach of the peace occurred, which the bar failed to report (a separate violation in itself).
Authorities looked into the matter shortly thereafter. Even when the source of a complaint is a police officer, 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 12/02/2019.
The TABC received a second law enforcement complaint on 12/10/2019, alleging that the restaurant sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and that an unreported breach of the peace occurred.
The ensuing investigation was able to confirm that the restaurant failed to report a breach of the peace, which authorities classified as an administrative violation. After handing down a written warning, the TABC closed the case on 02/20/2020.
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.
