Considering A Dram Shop Case Against MVP Sports Bar? 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.
MVP Sports Bar is located in Crystal City, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2019 and 2020 alone, authorities conducted no fewer than five 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 MVP Sports Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of MVP Sports Bar Between 2019 and 2020
Crystal City - 409 W Zavala
Allegations:
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 05/07/2019, claiming that the bar permitted a minor to possess or consume alcohol.
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 07/09/2019.
On 08/07/2019, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar allowed customers to both purchase and consume alcohol during prohibited hours. Additionally, the complaint alleged that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred, and that the bar failed to report it (a separate violation in itself).
As mentioned in the previous investigation summary, the TABC relies heavily on video footage to back up most claims of wrongdoing. Since authorities had no such evidence in this investigation, they could not take any action, leading to their decision to close the case on 10/08/2019.
A member of the Crystal City community reached out to the TABC on 08/14/2019, claiming that the bar allowed customers to both purchase and consume alcohol during prohibited hours.
TABC agents conducted an inquiry, but due to a lack of video evidence, they could not determine the veracity of the claim. As a result, investigators could not take any further action, leading to their decision to close the case on 10/12/2019.
The TABC received a citizen complaint on 01/29/2020, accusing the bar of selling alcohol to a minor.
An investigation ensued, but authorities were ultimately unable to uncover any hard evidence of wrongdoing. Left with no other option, the TABC closed the case on 03/26/2020.
A second law enforcement complaint came on 03/05/2020, claiming that a breach of the peace took place.
As is so often the case, authorities did not find sufficient evidence to support the claim. Consequently, the TABC chose to conclude its efforts on 05/05/2020.
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.
