Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Texas Billiards? Here's What You Need To Know
My firm has sued more bars for liquor law violations than any other in Texas. In my over 30 years of experience, I have repeatedly seen just how serious the consequences can be when bars over-serve alcohol. While the public might see or hear about a drunk driving accident from time to time, it's much less common to hear about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. One of my goals is to raise awareness about the extent of this problem. To this end, I dedicate some of my time to investigating Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and reporting what I find here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and would like to learn about how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
Texas Billiards is a bar located in Watauga, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, authorities conducted four 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 Texas Billiards for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Texas Billiards Between 2018 and 2019
Watauga - 6651 Watauga Road, Suite 117 And 117A
Allegations:
On 01/10/2018, an anonymous TABC complaint alleged a number of violations, including: selling alcohol to a minor, an intoxicated person, and during prohibited hours. Additionally, the complaint alleged a breach of the peace (typically a fight) took place, and that the bar permitted the possession of drugs on the premises.
Authorities looked into the allegations 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 02/17/2018.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 10/03/2018, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.
Upon investigation, authorities found evidence to back up the allegation, which they classified as both an administrative and criminal violation. For some reason, however, the TABC decided not to hand down any punishment, instead choosing to close the case on 10/27/2018.
A second law enforcement complaint came on 06/11/2019, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to a patron who was already over the limit.
After well over a month of investigation, authorities still had not found any corroborating evidence. Unable to take any further action, the TABC opted to close the case on 07/28/2019.
A member of the Watauga community reached out to the TABC on 08/15/2019, claiming a breach of the peace took place. Additionally, it claimed the bar permitted both gambling and the possession of drugs on the premises.
The ensuing investigation was not able to turn up any evidence to support the claims. With no other course of action available, investigators concluded their efforts on the case on 09/07/2019.
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.
