Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Spots Shack Bar & Grill? 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.
Sports Shack Bar & Grill is located in Nacogdoches, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC on multiple occasions due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2020, authorities conducted six separate 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, 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 Sports Shack Bar & Grill for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Sports Shack Bar & Grill Between 2018 and 2020
Nacogdoches - 4601 North Street
Allegations:
On 01/30/2018, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person.
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 02/25/2018.
A member of the Nacogdoches community reached out to the TABC on 10/09/2018, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to a minor.
The ensuing investigation found evidence that a minor had misrepresented his age, which the TABC classified as a criminal violation. After handing down the corresponding punishment, authorities closed the case on 11/17/2018.
The TABC received a citizen complaint on 12/27/2018, accusing the bar of selling alcohol to a minor and an intoxicated person.
As mentioned in the first investigation summary, the TABC relies heavily on video footage to back up most claims of wrongdoing. Since authorities had no such evidence in this investigation, they could not take any action, leading to their decision to close the case on 01/22/2019.
The next citizen complaint reached the TABC on 02/20/2019, alleging again that the bar sold alcohol to a minor and an intoxicated person.
TABC agents conducted an inquiry, but due to a lack of video evidence, they could not determine the veracity of the claim. As a result, investigators could not take any further action, leading to their decision to close the case on 03/23/2019.
On 09/24/2019, a citizen complaint brought the TABC back to investigate once again. This time, the allegation was that the bar sold alcohol to an underage patron.
An investigation ensued, but authorities were ultimately unable to determine the veracity of the claim due to a lack of video evidence. Left with no other option, the TABC decided to close the case on 11/14/2019.
The TABC returned to investigate again on 01/30/2020, after receiving a citizen complaint accusing the bar of selling alcohol to a minor.
As is so often the case, investigators could not prove that an administrative or criminal violation took place because they had no video evidence. As a result, the TABC chose to wrap up its efforts on 03/17/2020.
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.
