Edwardsville bar accused of failing to protect patron from a drunken fight

A Madison County man is suing an Edwardsville bar after he was allegedly beaten up by a group of drunken patrons.

Neal Hayes filed the lawsuit against Shenanigans Bar & Grill Sept. 17 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Hayes says he was in Shenanigans the night of Sept. 17, 2009. He says a group of people were being served in the bar and drinking heavily. Hayes claims one or more members of the group were extremely intoxicated and attacked him without provocation. He contends Shenanigans could have prevented the attack by taking action after the group threatened violence.

Hayes is suing Shenanigans under the Dram Shop Act, which says the bar has a duty to protect him against attacks from a third party, and for negligence. He is asking for $50,000 for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and court costs.

Hayes is represented by attorney Tad Armstrong of Edwardsville.

Shenanigans is owned by Fred's Friends of Edwardsville Ltd.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 10-L-971