EDWARDSVILLE - An East Alton bar is accused of allowing a patron to become intoxicated before he allegedly assaulted another customer.
Billy Joe Williams claims he was assaulted inside the Short Stop Bar and Grill on East St. Louis Avenue in East Alton on Aug. 16, 2019.
According to Madison County court records, no criminal charges were filed against the individual defendant, Kenneth Orlandini, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Williams filed the complaint on June 11 in Madison County Circuit Court.
According to the complaint, Williams claims he was on the premises "peaceably and lawfully" when Orlandini allegedly willfully and maliciously committed assault and battery on the plaintiff.
Williams claims he suffered various injuries of a "permanent and lasting nature," which has caused him pain and caused him to spend money on medical expenses. He also alleges he lost earnings from employment.
Williams accuses the bar of violating the Dram Shop Act by allowing a person on its premise to become intoxicated.
Williams claims the bar knew, or should have known, that Orlandini was becoming intoxicated.
The Short Stop is accused of failing to train staff to monitor the intoxication of customers or to see signs of a "dangerous and unruly" person. Staff knew, or should have known, that the premises were dangerous, the suit states.
Williams further claims bar staff failed to remove Orlandini and continued to serve him alcohol, according to the complaint.
Williams, who is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, is represented by Joshua R. Evans of The Unsell Law Firm of East Alton.
Madison County Circuit Corut case number 2020-L-0800