Considering A Dram Shop Claim Against North Rig Club? Here's What You Need To Know
Over the last 30 years, my firm has held more irresponsible bars accountable for over-serving alcohol than anyone else in Texas. With hundreds of cases under my belt, I've seen firsthand just how pervasive this practice really is. While the public might hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, rarely does it hear about the role bars that regularly over-serve their customers play in those accidents. In order to call more attention to this issue, I spend a portion of my time researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and reporting my findings here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) case, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
North Rig Club is a sports bar and grill located in Denison, Texas. Situated right off of highway 75, this restaurant is known for offering quality American cuisine, attracting a steady clientele consisting of locals and travelers alike. While the reputation of the dining side of the establishment might be beyond reproach, the bar side of the business has found itself in the TABC's crosshairs on multiple occasions in recent years due to complaints alleging liquor law violations. Between 2016 and 2019, authorities conducted no fewer than six investigations into North Rig Club's alcohol service practices.
In my experience, it's uncommon for a bar without prior TABC complaints to end up on the hook for contributing to a wrongful death or injury. Virtually every bar I've sued was already on the authorities' radar. 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 North Rig Club for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of North Rig Club Between 2016 and 2019
Denison - 414 Hwy 75 North
Allegations:
On 01/05/2016, TABC received a complaint from law enforcement that alleged the bar sold alcohol to a patron who was already over the limit.
An investigation into the claim followed shortly thereafter, but agents were unable to turn up any evidence of a criminal or administrative violation. As a result, TABC decided to close this case on 02/26/2016.
A second law enforcement complaint reached the TABC on 01/03/2018, again alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk patron.
For most liquor law violations, TABC needs either video footage of the incident or eyewitness testimony from one of its agents in order to take action. Having neither in this particular instance, authorities had no choice but to drop the matter, which they did on 02/18/2018.
Yet another law enforcement complaint charged the bar with selling alcohol to an inebriated customer on 05/01/2018.
The ensuing investigation found no proof of wrongdoing capable of standing up in court. Consequently, authorities brought the inquiry to a close without taking further action on 06/10/2018.
On 06/14/2018, just days after the previous investigation came to an end, TABC received a law enforcement complaint that claimed the bar failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight). Additionally, it alleged that the bar once again sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
The investigation that followed was successful at proving the bar failed to report a breach of the peace, which TABC agents classified as an administrative violation. After issuing an unspecified penalty, they concluded their work on the case on 07/09/2018.
Later that year, on 12/07/2018, law enforcement filed a complaint that charged the bar with delivering an alcoholic beverage to a drunk customer.
After nearly two months of investigation, authorities were not able to locate any evidence of a violation. On 01/29/2019, the case came to an end without further action.
A law enforcement agency submitted a further complaint to TABC, alleging staff at the bar sold alcohol to a patron who was already intoxicated on 05/09/2019.
As usual, TABC agents launched an investigation, but once again failed to turn up sufficient evidence to issue a citation. On 07/09/2019, agents concluded concluded their efforts and shut the case.
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.
