Schatze's and bouncer named in personal injury suit

A Belleville bar is being sued after one of its employees was allegedly drunk on the job and slammed a customer's head into a wall.

Daniel Pate filed a lawsuit July 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Steven Barton and Schatze's Sports Bar and Grill Inc., doing business as Schatze's.

In July of 2012 Pate says he was a customer of Schatze's, a bar in the 2300 block of East Main Street. During that time Pate alleges Barton, a bouncer at Schatze's, was served alcohol and drank it while working. Pate claims Barton tried to forcibly remove him from the bar without provocation. While doing so, Pate says Barton slammed his head against a brick wall.

Pate accuses Barton of battery and negligence and is also suing the bar for negligence and violating Illinois' Dram Shop Act. He asks for more than $150,000 in damages for medical expenses, loss of income and costs of the lawsuit.

Attorney Robert G. Jones of Swansea represents Pate.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-382