MOBILE, Ala. – A $2.8 million dollar verdict was handed down to a local strip club because it served alcohol to a man that was already drunk, and then later caused a fatal car accident.
A jury of eight women and six men believed the club served two beers to Charles Holland even though employees could see he was drunk, and that those two beers led Holland’s fatal crash.
Richard Horne, the attorney for Sammy's, told al.com that his client will appeal. “Because of the amount, the appeal will go directly to the Alabama Supreme Court,” he said.
The case involved Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board rules that make it illegal for bars to serve patrons who appear to be intoxicated.
During the trial, Holland testified that he drank a 12-pack of beer while watching a college football game, then drove to Sammy's. After drinking two beers over about an hour, he drove home and fell asleep at the wheel.
The al.com report went on to say that during closing arguments, Horne said the plaintiffs had not shown any evidence that Holland was visibly drunk when he entered Sammy's. “Holland was a heavy drinker who could hold his liquor, and the club's employees simply didn't realize he was intoxicated,” Horne said.
"Sympathy for the family does not supplant law and facts," Horne said.
