What Victims Should Know About Dram Shop Lawsuits Against Spec's Wines, Spirits, & Finer Foods
When your firm has filed more dram shop lawsuits against bars, restaurants, and liquor stores than anyone else in Texas, it's hard not to be aware of just how prevalent over-service of alcohol is in our state. But because it's rarely discussed in the media, even when prominent drunk driving crashes are under discussion, I suspect many people don't realize the true extent of the problem. To help fill this knowledge gap, I sometimes take a look at the TABC's complaint files for a host of alcohol vendors and report my findings. If you believe you may have a potential dram shop claim, I encourage you to call our office at (855) 326-0000.
The original Spec's location was opened in 1962 in the Fifth Ward in Houston, TX by Carroll B. "Spec" Jackson and Carolynn Jackson. As of 2013 Spec's boasts more than 165 stores and revenue in excess of $250 million.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has conducted several investigations of various potential administrative and criminal transgressions at assorted Spec's locations since 2016. Some were closed, while others resulted in written warnings or other actions.
Simply because a Spec's location was investigated, it does not mean that they are a location that displays a pattern of violating TABC code. Conversely, if a location has been investigated and investigators determine that they are not in violation of TABC code, that does not mean that the alleged violation did not take place. At times, sufficient evidence required to prove that either criminal or administrative violations occurred is hard to come by. We are simply reporting the locations that were put on the TABC's radar for one reason or another by concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Spec's Locations Investigated by the TABC Since 2016
Webster - 3126 FM 528 Rd
Allegation:
On 12/01/2017, this store location was alleged to have sold alcohol to an intoxicated person by a member of the Webster community.
More than a year later, on 01/23/2018, TABC investigators closed the investigation with no further action taken.
Houston - 2314 W Holcombe
Allegation:
A law enforcement agency alleged that this location had sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21 on 10/27/2017.
After a thorough investigation, TABC investigators closed the investigation with no further action taken on 11/10/2017.
Seabrook - 3126 Nasa Rd 1
Allegation:
On 08/24/2017, a member of the Seabrook community alleged that this store had sold alcohol to a minor.
TABC investigators closed their investigation of the matter on 10/13/2017.
Victoria - 5108 N Navarro Street
Allegation:
A Victoria citizen alleged that a minor was sold alcohol on 08/02/2017.
TABC investigators decided to close the investigation on 9/27/2017 with no further action taken against Spec's.
Fort Worth - 2750 S Hulen Street
Allegation:
This location was alleged to have allowed the consumption of alcohol outside of the store on 05/30/2017.
The investigation was closed on 06/30/2017 with no further action taken.
Richmond - 24940 Fm 1093
Allegation:
On 05/19/2017, this location was alleged to have sold alcohol to a minor.
On 7/13/2017, investigators closed the case with no further action.
Richmond - 24940 Fm 1093
Allegation:
On 05/19/2017, it was alleged by a citizen that this location had sold alcohol that was unfit for human consumption.
TABC investigators looked into the claim and closed the investigation on 6/9/2017.
Cypress - 14315 Cypress Rosehill Road Suite 140
Allegation:
On 04/25/2017, this store was alleged to have sold alcohol to a minor.
TABC investigators issued a restrained disposition and closed the case on 06/03/2017. Under this form of resolution, as long as a store meets certain requirements regarding TABC certification of proper alcohol service training, among others, the employee responsible for the improper sale may be punished, but the establishment's license is not threatened and no fines are assessed.
Seabrook - 3126 Nasa Rd 1
Allegation:
On 04/04/2017, it was alleged that this location had sold alcohol to a minor.
This investigation was closed on 04/14/2017 after investigators failed to find enough evidence to support the allegations.
Corpus Christi - 4318 Ayers
Allegation:
On 03/29/2017, a member of the Corpus Christi community alleged that this store had sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
The cased was closed by the TABC on 05/03/2017, with no further action taken.
San Marcos - 510 Barnes Drive
Allegation:
On 03/06/2017, a patron of the Denton location alleged to TABC officials that there had been violations of various regulations.
TABC investigators looked into the matter and found that there was enough evidence to issue a written warning. The case was closed on 05/10/2017.
Katy - 24417 Katy Freeway
Allegation:
On 11/28/2016, this location was alleged to have sold alcohol to a minor.
TABC investigators closed the matter on 1/3/2017 with no further action taken.
Big Sandy - 709 W Broadway Street
Allegation:
On 06/02/2016, it was alleged that a licensee was intoxicated on the job.
TABC investigators closed the matter on 7/7/2016 with no further action taken.
Lubbock - 7021 Quaker Avenue Space 100
Allegation:
On 05/31/2016, this location was alleged to have sold alcohol to a minor.
TABC detectives closed the matter on 07/05/2016 with no further action taken.
Brenham - 280 Hwy 290 West
Allegation:
On 05/26/2016, this store had sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
TABC investigators closed the matter on 06/29/2016 with no further action taken.
Katy - 23702 Westheimer Parkway
Allegation:
It was alleged on 01/15/2016 that this location had sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
TABC investigators closed the matter on 02/02/2016 and issued a restrained administrative violation.
Katy - 3811 Fry Rd Suite 4
Allegation:
It was alleged on 01/04/2016 that this location had sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
TABC investigators closed the matter on 02/24/2016 and no further action was taken.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas "dram shop" law (i.e. liqour liability law / lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
