Considering A Dram Shop Case Against The Silver Bullet? Here's What You Need To Know

I've sued more reckless bars for failing to adhere to liquor laws than anyone else in the state of Texas. With three decades of experience and hundreds of cases behind me, I have seen just how frequently bars put profit before safety and over-serve alcohol, in spite of their legal obligation to serve responsibly. While people might see or hear of drunk driving accidents from time to time, they don't tend to hear as much about the role that irresponsible bars play in those accidents. In order to raise more awareness of this topic, I spend a portion of my time researching the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's complaint database and writing about my findings here on my website. If you think you might have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim, don't hesitate to call my office at (855) 326-0000.

The Silver Bullet is a bar located in Lubbock, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2018 and 2020, authorities conducted five separate investigations into the bar's alcohol service practices.

In my three decades of legal practice, rarely have I seen bar end up involved in a wrongful death or injury case that didn't have a history of complaints on file with TABC. Almost every bar I've ever sued was already on the authorities radar, so when I see a bar that has been investigated several times over a short period, it raises my concern that it could one day play a part in 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 The Silver Bullet for possible criminal or administrative violations.

TABC Investigations of The Silver Bullet Between 2018 and 2020

Lubbock - 5145 Aberdeen Avenue

Allegations:

Law enforcement filed a complaint with the TABC on 05/09/2018, accusing the bar of selling alcohol to an intoxicated person.

Authorities looked into the matter shortly thereafter. Even when the source of a complaint is a police officer, 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 08/14/2018.

On 10/16/2018, a concerned citizen contacted the TABC, alleging 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 12/02/2018.

A member of the Lubbock community reached out to the TABC on 12/04/2018, claiming once again that the bar sold alcohol to an intoxicated person.

Upon investigation, authorities found sufficient evidence to confirm the allegation, which they classified as both an administrative and criminal violation. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC concluded its work on the case on 01/26/2019.

The TABC received another citizen complaint on 01/16/2020, this time accusing the bar of selling alcohol to a minor as well as to a drunk person.

An investigation ensued, but authorities were ultimately unable to produce sufficient evidence to support the allegation. Left with no other choice, the TABC closed the case on 03/13/2020.

Law enforcement lodged a complaint with the TABC on 04/23/2020, alleging that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred, which the bar failed to report.

The subsequent investigation was able to confirm that the bar failed to report a breach, which authorities classified as an administrative violation. After issuing a written warning, the TABC wrapped up its inquiry on 05/06/2020.

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.