Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Pioneer Saloon? Here's What You Need To Know
My firm has sued more bars for liquor law violations than any other in Texas. In my over 30 years of experience, I have repeatedly seen just how serious the consequences can be when bars over-serve alcohol. While the public might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, it's much less common to hear about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. One of my goals is to raise awareness about the extent of this problem. To this end, I dedicate some of my time to investigating Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and reporting what I find here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and would like to learn about how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
Pioneer Saloon is located in Falfurrias, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC on multiple occasions due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2016 and 2019, authorities conducted no fewer than four 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 Pioneer Saloon for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Pioneer Saloon Between 2016 and 2019
Falfurrias - 113 E Rice Street
Allegations:
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 01/27/2016, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a minor, permitted staff to sell drugs on the premises, and to sell or deliver alcohol to an intoxicated person.
While authorities did not manage to find any evidence to support the initial allegations, they did uncover evidence of three unrelated administrative violations. After issuing the bar written warnings for the infractions, the TABC closed the case on 04/10/2016.
A second law enforcement complaint came on 06/10/2016, claiming that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) took place and that the bar failed to report it (a separate violation in itself).
Even when a police officer is the source of a complaint, the TABC still requires corroborating evidence before taking action. Since authorities had none in this investigation, they were left with no choice but to close the case, which they did on 08/21/2016.
The TABC received a complaint from a concerned citizen on 09/19/2016, alleging that the bar permitted a minor to both purchase and possess alcohol, in addition to failing to report a breach of the peace.
Upon investigation, authorities found evidence to back up the second allegation, which they classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 11/19/2016.
On 02/19/2019, law enforcement contacted the TABC once again, alleging that the bar failed to report a breach of the peace.
TABC agents looked into the matter, but after over a month of investigation, they did not find any proof of wrongdoing. Unable to take any further action, they closed the case on 03/31/2019.
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.
