Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Shark Tank Lounge? Here's What You Need To Know
For three decades, I've been holding bars accountable for over-serving alcohol. In the hundreds of cases I've handled, I've seen just how widespread irresponsible alcohol service is, as well as the tragedies that often follow in its wake. While people might see or hear about drunk driving accidents from time to time, rarely do they hear about the role that reckless bars play in those accidents. In order to draw more attention to this issue, I dedicate a portion of my time to investigating the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint records and reporting my findings here on my website. If you believe you may have a dram shop claim, please call my office at (855) 326-0000.
Shark Tank Lounge is a bar and grill located in Port Isabel, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2016 and 2020, authorities conducted two separate 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 Shark Tank Lounge for criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Shark Tank Lounge Between 2016 and 2020
Port Isabel - 123 W Queen Isabella
Allegations:
On 04/01/2016, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that staff was drinking on the job and sold alcohol to both a drunk patron and a minor.
While the ensuing investigation failed to uncover any evidence to support the initial claims, it did manage to produce evidence that the bar possessed distilled spirits without the required ID stamps. After issuing a written warning, the TABC concluded its work on the case on 05/07/2016.
A member of the Port Isabel community reached out to the TABC on 02/10/2020, claiming that the bar allowed customers to drink alcohol during prohibited hours.
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 03/19/2020.
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.
