Considering A Dram Shop Case Against The Office on Trinity? 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.
The Office on Trinity is a bar located in Fort Worth, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2017 and 2020, authorities conducted no fewer than five 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 The Office on Trinity for criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of The Office on Trinity Between 2017 and 2020
Fort Worth - 12977 Trinity Boulevard, Suite 108 And 109
Allegations:
On 10/26/2017, a concerned citizen contacted the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person, refilled liquor bottles, possessed alcohol unfit for consumption, and that gambling occurred.
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 12/02/2017.
A member of the Fort Worth community reached out to the TABC on 04/23/2018, claiming that the bar sold alcohol to a drunk customer.
As mentioned in the previous 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 06/05/2018.
The TABC received a citizen complaint on 03/21/2019, accusing staff of drinking on the job, permitting the possession of drugs, and selling alcohol to an intoxicated person. Additionally, the complaint alleged that gambling took place and that an alcoholic beverage was removed from the premises.
Upon investigation, authorities were able to confirm the last allegation, which they classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC closed the case on 04/10/2019.
The next citizen complaint came on 11/13/2019, claiming that the bar sold alcohol during prohibited hours.
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 01/09/2020.
On 02/06/2020, another citizen complaint reached the TABC, accusing the bar of allowing staff to possess or sell drugs on the premises.
An investigation ensued, but authorities were ultimately unable to produce sufficient evidence of a violation to take any action. Left with no other option, the TABC closed the case on 06/10/2020.
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.
