Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Pat's U & I? 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.
Pat's U & I is a bar and barbecue restaurant located in Sinton, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2017 and 2019, authorities conducted two separate 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 Pat's U & I for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Pat's U & I Between 2017 and 2019
Sinton - 512 Sodville Road
Allegations:
On 12/16/2017, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar allowed a minor to both purchase and consume alcohol, in addition to selling alcohol to a patron who was already intoxicated.
Authorities looked into the matter shortly thereafter. 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 02/16/2018.
The TABC received an anonymous complaint on 01/23/2019, claiming a breach of the peace (typically a fight) took place and that the bar failed to report it (a violation in itself).
The ensuing investigation found evidence to corroborate the second claim, as well as an unrelated administrative violation. After issuing the bar two written warnings, investigators closed the case on 02/22/2019.
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.
