Do You Have A Potential Dram Shop Lawsuit Against Wingstop? Here's What You Need to Know
Because my firm has sued more bars and restaurants for negligent service of alcohol than anyone else in Texas, I have a detailed understanding of just how widespread this problem is, as well as the devastating harm it unleashes in the form of drunk driving accidents, pedestrians injured or killed, and even fights resulting from intoxication. But I feel as though the general public probably isn't as aware of just how much of a danger this behavior poses, so in an effort to raise awareness, I've taken some time to look through the records of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, see what I could find, and share it with you. If you would like to discuss a potential Dram Shop case involving you or a family member, please call me at (855) 326-0000.
The first Wingstop opened in 1994 as a small restaurant in Garland, Texas, specializing in buffalo wings of various degrees of spiciness. Since then it has grown to more than 1,000 locations across the United States, Mexico, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Wingstop has recently experienced a meteoric rise in revenue, posting $106 million in 2017, up from $59 million just four years prior. While exactly how much is hard to know, it's likely that a fair amount of that revenue comes from sale of beer.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission conducted 15 investigations into allegations of improper service or handling of alcohol since the start of 2007.
Simply because a Wingstop location was investigated, it does not mean that they are a location that displays a pattern of violating TABC code. Conversely, if a location has been investigated and investigators determine that they are not in violation of TABC code, that does not mean that the alleged violation did not take place. At times, sufficient evidence required to prove that either criminal or administrative violations occurred is hard to come by. In publicizing these complaints and their ultimate resolutions, we are not alleging any wrongdoing by staff of these locations, simply reporting why they were put on the TABC's radar by concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Wingstop Locations That Have Been Investigated by the TABC Since 2007
Killeen - 902 W Central Texas Expressway
Allegation:
On 5/9/2007, this bar was accused of employing someone under the age of 18 to serve alcohol and consumption during prohibited hours.
The complaint was closed on 7/22/2007 with no further action taken on behalf of the TABC.
Houston - 2412 Hwy 6
Allegation:
This location was alleged by a private citizen that a person under the age of 18 was allowed to sell alcohol.
The TABC closed the investigation on 8/30/2008 with no further action taken.
Georgetown - 1013 W University Ave
Allegation:
On 02/04/2009, this location was alleged to have failed to post a required sign.
After two days, the investigation was closed and a written warning was issued.
Irving - 2920 N Belt Line Road
Allegation:
This location was alleged to have sold alcohol to a minor on 10/19/2009.
On 11/4/2009, the TABC investigation was closed with no further action taken.
Irving - 10009 N Macarthur Boulevard
Allegation:
On 10/19/2009, it was alleged that this location was selling alcohol to a minor.
Later on 11/4/2009, TABC investigators closed the investigation with no violations found.
Amarillo - 5807 Sw 45Th Suite 260
Allegation:
On 2/4/2010, a private citizen alleged that this location allowed a minor to consume alcohol.
TABC investigators closed down the investigation on 3/18/2010, taking no further action.
Amarillo - 5807 Sw 45Th Suite 260
Allegation:
On 6/6/2011, this location was alleged to have, again, allowed a minor to sell alcohol.
On 06/28/2011, TABC investigators found that there was indeed evidence that this location had served minors alcohol and there were penalties issued.
Cedar Park - 401 W Whitestone Blvd
Allegation:
On 12/06/2012, this location allowed a person under the age of 18 to sell alcohol.
On 12/12/2012, TABC investigators closed down the investigation with no further investigation.
Houston - 1049 Blalock Rd
Allegation:
On 04/08/2014, a private citizen alleged that this location had sold alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
On 4/27/2014 the investigators found that there was sufficient evidence in order to take one person to jail and levy administrative fines on this location.
Tomball - 19754 Tomball Parkway
Allegation:
On 7/31/2014, it was alleged that this location had sold alcohol to a minor.
On 9/8/2014, the investigators from the TABC concluded that their wasn't enough evidence to move further in the investigation.
San Antonio - 1464 Austin Hwy Suite 103
Allegation:
On 08/18/2014, a patron alleged that this location had sold alcohol to a minor.
On 08/26/2014, the investigation was closed with no further action taken.
Flower Mound - 2608 Flower Mound Road
Allegation:
On 3/9/2016, a member of the community alleged that a minor was allowed to drinking on the premises.
On 5/5/2016, TABC investigators decided that there wasn't enough evidence to support the allegations and closed the investigation.
San Antonio - 5631 Loop 1604W North
Allegation:
On 3/22/2013, a patron of this location alleged that there was a failure to post a required sign.
On 4/28/2013, the investigators found that there was illegal gambling occurring and there was a written warning issued.
Fort Worth - 237 NE 28Th Street
Allegation:
On 09/30/2016, a citizen alleged that this location was selling alcohol to a minor.
On 11/21/2016, TABC investigators closed the matter with no further action taken.
San Angelo - 614 W 29Th Street
Allegation:
On 12/28/2016, a member of the community alleged that a minor was served alcohol.
On 01/27/2017, the TABC closed the matter with no further action taken.
Texas Law Says Accident Victims Can Sue Bad Bars
If you would like to learn more about Texas "dram shop" law (i.e. liqour liability law / lawsuits against bars who play a role in injurious or fatal accidents), please visit our Texas Dram Shop Law Info Page.
