Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Running M Bar & Grill? Here's What You Need To Know
My firm has handled more dram shop cases than any other in Texas. With 30 years of experience behind me, I have seen countless examples of bars that fail to follow alcohol service regulations and the tragic consequences that can result. This issue is more rampant that people realize, and one of my goals is to bring it to the public's attention. One way I do this is by reviewing Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and posting about my findings. If you think you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and want to know how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
Running M Bar & Grill is located in the historic district of Gonzales, Texas. While most of its patrons come to enjoy the daily lunch specials and live music on the weekends, the TABC has also been a frequent visitor due to several allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2016 and 2019, authorities conducted no fewer than five investigations into alcohol service practices at Running M Bar & Grill.
In my experience, it is 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 cause 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 Running M Bar & Grill for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Running M Bar & Grill Between 2016 and 2019
Gonzales - 520 St Paul
Allegations:
The TABC received a complaint from law enforcement on 07/11/2016, alleging that staff sold alcohol to a patron who was already drunk.
An investigation followed shortly thereafter. While authorities did not uncover any evidence to corroborate the police's allegation, they did find proof of several other violations, including selling alcohol to a minor and allowing a minor to possess or consume alcohol. In all, TABC agents issued five citations, handing down penalties for two of the violations.
A citizen complaint, filed on 02/09/2017, alleged that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk person, allowed a minor to possess or consume alcohol, and permitted the possession of drugs on the premises.
The TABC subsequently looked into the matter. 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. In this particular instance, authorities had neither. As a result, the case came to a close on 04/05/2017.
On 09/30/2017, a law enforcement complaint alleged that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and allowed consumption during prohibited hours.
Authorities investigated the claims, but failed to locate any evidence to back them up. Even though the source of the complaint was a police officer, the TABC still requires video evidence before it can take action. With no other course of action available, authorities ended their work on the case on 11/14/2017.
A concerned citizen reached out to the TABC on 09/19/2018, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk patron and allowed customers to consume alcohol during prohibited hours.
The ensuing investigation did not turn up any evidence of a criminal or administrative violation. As a result, authorities chose to end their work on the case that very same day.
Law enforcement got in touch with the TABC on 04/03/2019, charging the bar with selling alcohol to an intoxicated customer.
Investigators were unsuccessful at finding any hard evidence to back up the claim. Unable to take any further action, authorities closed this case on 05/24/2019.
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.
