Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Pla-Mor Entertainment? Here's What You Need To Know
I've sued more reckless bars for failing to adhere to liquor laws than anyone else in the state of Texas. With three decades of experience and hundreds of cases behind me, I have seen just how frequently bars put profit before safety and over-serve alcohol, in spite of their legal obligation to serve responsibly. While people might see or hear of drunk driving accidents from time to time, they don't tend to hear as much about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. In order to raise more awareness of this topic, I spend a portion of my time researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint database and writing about my findings here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim, don't hesitate to call my office at (855) 326-0000.
Pla-Mor Entertainment is a bowling alley located in Laredo, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted a substantial amount of attention from the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. In 2019 alone, authorities conducted four separate investigations into Pla-Mor Entertainment's alcohol service practices.
In my three decades of legal practice, rarely have I seen bar end up involved in a wrongful death or injury case that didn't have a history of complaints on file with TABC. Almost every bar I've ever sued was already on the authorities radar, so when I see a bar that has been investigated several times over a short period, it raises my concern that it could one day play a part in an accident.
Note: Investigations are not proof of wrongdoing. However, if authorities investigate and fail to find evidence, 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 Pla-Mor Entertainment for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Pla-Mor Entertainment in 2019
Laredo - 2819 Bob Bullock Loop
Allegations:
On 02/27/2019, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a minor.
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 05/21/2019.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 08/27/2019, claiming the bar sold alcohol to a minor, failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight), and over-served customers.
The ensuing investigation was only successful at finding evidence to support the second claim, which authorities classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, investigators closed the case on 09/17/2019.
Law enforcement filed a second complaint on 10/29/2019, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to an underage patron.
Upon investigating, authorities were able to prove the allegation, for which the bar received an unspecified penalty. On 11/13/2019, the case came to a close.
A member of staff filed a complaint on 12/17/2019, claiming the bar failed to report a breach of the peace.
TABC agents looked into the allegation, but failed to find any evidence to support it. Within 24 hours of receiving the complaint, authorities closed the case without taking further action.
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.
