Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Nite Shift Sports Bar? Here's What You Need To Know
I have sued more bars for irresponsible alcohol service in the last thirty years than anyone else in Texas. Having handled hundreds of cases, I can attest to just how widespread the practice of over-serving customers is. 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 the interest of helping the general public see the real extent of this problem, I spend a portion of my time researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's record of complaints and posting about my findings here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) case, don't hesitate to call me at (855) 326-0000.
Nite Shift Sports Bar is located in Harlingen, Texas. While many locals come for the dancing, DJ sets, and free pool, the bar has also managed to attract the TABC's attention on a number of occasions due to allegations liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2020, authorities conducted four investigations into alcohol service practices at Nite Shift Sports Bar.
In my experience, it is 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 evidence that a bar has broken the law. Investigators must have sufficient proof that there was a violation of TABC regulations in order to take legal action. Owing to the nature of liquor law violations, that proof can often be difficult for authorities to obtain. The purpose of this article is simply to relay publicly-available information about incidents where the TABC has investigated Nite Shift Sports Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Nite Shift Sports Bar Between 2015 and 2020
Harlingen - 703 N Ed Carey Drive
Allegations:
On 06/29/2015, an unnamed source contacted the TABC and alleged that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and allowed customers to consume alcohol during prohibited hours.
Authorities followed up soon after with an investigation. 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. In this particular instance, authorities had neither. As a result, the case came to a close on 08/27/2015.
Another complaint from an unnamed source came on 05/15/2018, claiming again that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk patron.
The ensuing investigation was not successful at determining the validity of the claim. Unable to take any further action, authorities decided to wrap up their work on the case on 06/08/2018.
Law enforcement reached out to the TABC on 06/22/2018, charging the bar with selling alcohol to a patron under the age of 21.
Investigators looked into the matter, but due to a lack of video footage of the alleged incident, they were not able to prove a violation had taken place. Even when a police officer is the source of a complaint, the TABC cannot take action without corroborating evidence. As a result, authorities closed this case on 06/26/2018.
On 01/17/2020, a member of the Harlingen community filed a complaint, claiming that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred, and that the bar failed to report it (itself a violation).
As in the previous case, authorities could not prove the allegation due to a lack of video evidence. With no other course of action available, they decided to close the case on 01/22/2020.
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.
