Considering A Dram Shop Case Against Uncle Gary's Bar? Here's What You Need To Know
My firm has handled more dram shop cases than any other in Texas. With 30 years of experience behind me, I have seen countless examples of bars that fail to follow alcohol service regulations and the tragic consequences that can result. This issue is more rampant that people realize, and one of my goals is to bring it to the public's attention. One way I do this is by reviewing Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission complaint records and posting about my findings. If you think you may have a dram shop (liquor liability) claim and want to know how to proceed, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
Uncle Gary's Bar is located in Pflugerville, Texas. Popular for offering live music, DJ shows, karaoke, volleyball, and plenty of games on TV, it has attracted a strong local following. In the process, however, it has also attracted the attention of the TABC due to a number of complaints alleging liquor law violations. Between 2015 and 2019, authorities conducted three separate investigations into alcohol service practices at Uncle Gary's Bar.
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 Uncle Gary's Bar for possible criminal or administrative violations.
TABC Investigations of Uncle Gary's Bar Between 2015 and 2019
Pflugerville - 19903 Fm 685 'B'
Allegations:
On 06/19/2015, the TABC received a complaint from a staff member at the bar, alleging that a breach of the peace (typically a fight) occurred.
The TABC launched an investigation and found sufficient evidence to confirm the allegation. After handing down an unspecified penalty for an administrative violation, investigators closed the case on 07/18/2015.
Law enforcement contacted the TABC on 08/05/2015, claiming that another breach of the peace took place.
Authorities followed up soon after with an investigation. For most allegations of wrongdoing, the TABC requires either video footage of the incident or eyewitness testimony from one of its agents in order to take action. In this particular instance, authorities had neither. As a result, the case came to a close on 08/11/2015.
A second law enforcement complaint came on 01/09/2019, alleging two counts of staff drinking on the job and one count of staff selling drugs on the premises.
TABC agents conducted an inquiry into the matter, but due to a lack of video evidence, they were unable to determine the veracity of the claims. Even the word of a police officer is not enough for the TABC to take action. With no other options available, authorities closed the case on 03/12/2019.
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.
