Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Ron's Pub? 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.
Ron's Pub brings the atmosphere of a traditional British public house to Houston. Locals come to watch soccer matches, compete in the weekly darts competition, or simply to socialize over a pint. Recently though, it has been the subject of numerous complaints for alleged liquor law violations. During just a three-year period, TABC conducted six separate investigations into Ron's Pub'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, 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 Ron's Pub for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Ron's Pub Between 2016 and 2019
Houston - 1826-28 Fountain View Drive
Allegations:
On 03/15/2016, TABC received a complaint from a concerned citizen who alleged that staff sold alcohol during prohibited hours.
Authorities investigated the claim but failed to turn up any corroborating evidence. In most cases, TABC needs either video footage of an incident taking place or eyewitness testimony from once of its agents in order to take legal action. Having neither in this particular instance, agents ended their work on 05/12/2016.
A second citizen complaint on 01/03/2017 again claimed that the bar was selling alcohol during prohibited hours.
TABC followed up with another inquiry but had no more luck uncovering evidence of wrongdoing than in the previous case. As a result, authorities closed this case on 1/31/2017 without taking further action.
On 11/13/2017, a member of the Houston community alleged that staff sold alcohol to a patron who was obviously intoxicated.
Lacking video evidence, the ensuing investigation was unable to determine the veracity of the claim. Consequently, authorities decided to stop working on the case on 12/13/2017.
A little over a month later, on 01/25/2018, TABC received another complaint from an unnamed citizen. The allegations this time were for selling alcohol to a minor and permitting the possession of drugs on the premises.
This time, TABC was able to find evidence that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person, which it classified as an administrative violation. For some reason, authorities decided not to hand down a penalty in this case. On 02/11/208, the case concluded.
On 03/16/2018, TABC received a citizen complaint alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk patron.
The investigation played out almost exactly like the previous one, with authorities finding evidence to corroborate the claim, but declining to hand down a penalty. On 04/25/2018, TABC ended its work on the case.
A further citizen complaint, filed on 05/14/2019, charged that the bar sold alcohol to a minor.
TABC's subsequent investigation was unable to uncover proof to back up the claim. Less than a month later, on 06/04/2019, the case concluded.
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.
