Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Sandbox Bar? Here's What You Need To Know
I've been suing irresponsible bars for over-serving alcohol for 30 years. My experience handling hundreds of cases has repeatedly shown me just how many bars fail to follow alcohol service regulations, as well as the tragedies that all too often result. While people might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, they don't tend to hear about the role that reckless bars play in those accidents. In order to call more attention to this issue, I dedicate a portion of my time to reviewing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and reporting my findings here on my website. If you think you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and have questions about how to proceed, don't hesitate to call me at (855) 326-0000.
Sandbox Bar is located in San Antonio, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the TABC's attention on a number of occasions due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, authorities conducted three investigations into the bar's alcohol service practices.
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 Sandbox Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Sandbox Bar Between 2018 and 2019
San Antonio - 7280 Utsa Boulevard #109
Allegations:
The TABC received a complaint from a concerned citizen on 12/04/2018, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to a minor.
Authorities conducted an inquiry 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 no such evidence in this investigation, TABC agents decided to close the case on 01/12/2019.
A member of the San Antonio community reached out to the TABC on 03/19/2019, alleging that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred and the bar failed to report it (a separate violation in itself). Additionally, it claimed the that the bar sold alcohol to a patron who was already intoxicated.
The ensuing investigation was only successful at proving the bar failed to report a breach of the peace, which the TABC classified as an administrative violation. After issuing a written warning, authorities closed the case on 05/30/2019.
A law enforcement complaint, dated 12/14/2019, accused the bar of selling alcohol to a drunk customer.
Upon investigation, TABC agents found evidence of public intoxication, which they classified as a criminal violation. After handing down a warning citation, they brought their work on the case to an end on 02/15/2020.
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.
