What You Need to Know Before Starting a Liquor Liability Case against Pappasito's Cantina
My firm has sued more bars for negligent over-service of alcohol than any other in Texas. With so much experience dealing with dram shop (liquor liability) cases behind us, we know full well that this problem is much more extensive than most people realize. If we are to raise awareness of this issue, people need easy access to the facts. That's why I dedicate some of my time to looking through the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and publishing what I find here on my website. If you believe you may have a dram shop case, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
Pappasito's Cantina is one of the ten unique restaurant chains owned and operated by the Pappas family. Headquartered in Houston, the brand competes with other Tex-Mex giants like Chuy's and On The Border for its share of the Texas market. So far, it has not expanded beyond the borders of the Lone Star State, but it is well-known locally for its heaping portions and tropical drink menu.
Selling alcohol comes with the responsibility to uphold liquor laws. When there is reason to believe that a bar is not following state alcohol regulations, TABC will step in to investigate. In the last few years, Pappasito's Cantina has found itself the subject of such investigations on more than one occasion.
Simply because TABC conducts an investigation, it does not mean that a TABC code violation occurred. Conversely, a lack of proof does not necessarily mean that the alleged violation did not take place. At times, sufficient evidence required to prove that either criminal or administrative violations occurred is difficult to come by. We are simply reporting the Pappasito's Cantina locations that appeared on TABC's radar for one reason or another in recent years.
Pappasito's Cantina Locations Investigated by the TABC Since 2016
Houston - 7050 Farm to Market Road 1960 West
Allegation:
A concerned member of the Houston community alleged that this location sold alcohol to an intoxicated individual on 05/09/2016. TABC subsequently launched an inquiry into the matter.
After nearly two months of investigation, authorities could not establish sufficient evidence to corroborate the claim. On 07/08/2016, the case concluded.
San Antonio - 10501 Ih 10 West
Allegation:
On 09/26/2017, TABC was notified by law enforcement that this location had allegedly sold alcohol to a drunk patron.
Even though the claim originated from an officer of the law, that wasn't enough evidence to make the charge stick. After a nearly five-month investigation, TABC closed the case on 02/17/2018, due to a lack of hard proof.
Houston - 10409 Katy Freeway
Allegation:
On 01/02/2018, a complaint from a concerned citizen led TABC to investigate this location for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor.
Without video footage or a TABC agent personally witnessing a violation, it is almost impossible to prove that a bar did something wrong. Lacking such evidence, TABC decided to close the case without taking further action on 02/02/2018.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas dram shop law (i.e. liquor liability law / lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
