Category: Law,
Safety, Community
Level: Local
Concerning: A
problem/issues that individuals face
Why is this
important/how does this affect individuals/families? This incident is
important because it affects Lustre Pearl bar and the community. It is also
important because it serves as a precedent and hopefully preventative action for
future similar situations.
My Views: I
support the decision of The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to suspend/fine
Lustre Pearl bar. While the punishment may seem extreme, I think the 45-day
suspension or $40,000 fine is justified and will serve as a precedent that may
prevent future situations of similar nature. A young man lost his life due to
an intoxicated individual who had supposedly been over served at Lustre Pearl,
and ramifications are necessary. Although I am supportive of the TABC’s
decision, I do not believe that Lustre Pearl can take the full blame. The
individual that was driving the vehicle that killed Jarrett Whittington,
Madeline Rackley, is mainly at fault. She made the decision to get behind the
wheel after drinking, just as Jarrett made the decision to allow her to drive
him. I absolutely believe that Rackley should be convicted of intoxicated
manslaughter, which she is currently being charged with. However, I feel that
the bartenders at Lustre Pearl are partially
responsible as well. The TABC determined that she had been over-served, which
could have been prevented. Regardless of who is to blame, I think that this
situation will be beneficial to learn from. I hope that this incident will
cause bartenders to be more observant and think twice before continuing to
serve individuals.
I partially agree with this and at the same time I have some issues with this. As someone who has worked in food service for quite a while, I understand the need to cut people off when they get too drunk. In addition to that, it is clearly stated as an obligation through TABC certification, so it is not an unknown factor for anyone that serves alcohol in Texas. My problem with it though, is similar to what Ms. Livit stated. When someone gets drunk and gets behind the wheel, it is their decision. If someone is drinking, they should be at least 21, which makes them an adult who should be capable of making their own decisions and accepting the responsibility for the bad ones. I don't feel that it should be my responsibility to hold someones hand through their life, and it seems to open the door to the mentality that there is always someone else to blame. Speaking from the perspective of a bar owner (I am not one), if someone is completely drunk, I would cut them off simply because they could cause a problem in my establishment, and I would want to ensure the safety of my customers. Once they leave, they should not be my responsibility anymore. Furthermore, it is impossible to control and in many cases even confirm that those people did not drink more at some point between leaving the bar and getting into the car. Also, it is so common for people to buy drinks for others. A bartender may be serving drinks to someone who seems completely decent and not overly intoxicated, but that person could be giving those drinks to someone else who may end up driving later. When such a situation is taken into consideration, where do you draw the line in blaming other people?
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