Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Thicky's Oasis? 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.
Thicky's Oasis is a bar located in Bay City, Texas. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the TABC due to allegations of liquor law violations. Between 2017 and 2018 alone, authorities conducted three 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 Thicky's Oasis for criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Thicky's Oasis Between 2017 and 2018
Bay City - 407 7Th Street
Allegations:
On 06/26/2017, a concerned citizen filed a complaint with the TABC, alleging that the bar sold alcohol to both a minor and an intoxicated person, in addition to allowing customers to consume alcohol during prohibited hours.
While the ensuing investigation failed to uncover any evidence to support the initial allegations, authorities did discover evidence that staff was drinking on the job, which they classified as an administrative violation. After deciding not to hand down any punishment, the TABC closed the case without further action on 07/30/2017.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 01/10/2018, claiming that the bar failed to report a breach of the peace (typically a fight).
Upon investigation, authorities were able to confirm the allegation, which they classified as an administrative violation. After handing down an unspecified penalty, the TABC concluded its work on the case on 02/01/2018.
A second law enforcement complaint reached the TABC on 03/07/2018, claiming that a breach of the peace occurred.
The investigation that followed not only found evidence to confirm the allegation, but also managed to determine that staff was drinking on the job. The TABC later dismissed both of these administrative violations, with the case coming to a close on 04/19/2018.
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.
