A Norristown, Pa. woman is suing the former Tabu Bar & Sports Lounge after allegedly falling on a karaoke stage floor rendered slippery due to entertainment featuring bubble blowing.
Last month, Brittany Speary filed suit against Tabu in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, requesting more than $50,000 in damages.
Tabu was recently purchased by new owners and renamed “254.” It’s located at 254 S. 12th St. in the Gayborhood.
Bubble blowing is a popular form of entertainment. But when bubbles burst, they leave behind a small amount of liquid, which can consist of water and soap. This liquid can accumulate on the floor and appear as a film, especially if there are many bubbles or if the area isn’t cleaned up.
According to Speary’s lawsuit, she was present during a karaoke night at Tabu on June 4, 2023, and slipped on the stage floor — which was rendered dangerous due to bubble blowing that had taken place during karaoke entertainment.
“Brittany Speary slipped on a dangerously slick substance on the karaoke stage floor of [Tabu’s] establishment, caused by bubbles being blown on the stage floor,” Speary’s lawsuit states.
Speary’s lawsuit accuses Tabu of carelessness and/or recklessness, including: “putting a slick bubble residue substance” on the karaoke stage; allowing a dangerous substance to accumulate on a floor that patrons are expected to walk on; failing to use reasonable care to protect Speary from the alleged negligence of its workers; and failing to conduct frequent, reasonable inspection of its floors.
Moreover, Speary’s lawsuit accuses Tabu of violating industry standards regarding the proper maintenance and safety of its establishment.
Tabu failed to warn its patrons of a dangerous situation nor did it take prompt corrective action to fix an unsafe condition that it should have been aware of, according to the lawsuit.
“Tabu knew or should have known that the accumulation of the dangerously slick substance [namely] the soapy bubbles film on the karaoke stage floor created a dangerous condition for business invitees such as Brittany Speary,” the lawsuit continues.
Speary’s fall caused serious personal injuries, including a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament of her right knee, requiring reconstructive surgery, according to the lawsuit.
Speary also suffered injuries to her head, neck, back, spine and torso — some of which may be permanent — in addition to contusions throughout her body, according to the lawsuit.
Moreover, Speary was unable to — and will be unable to — attend to her daily occupation. Her job isn’t specified in the lawsuit.
Speary was hospitalized and incurred substantial medical expenses, according to the lawsuit.
An attorney for Speary didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
An attorney for Tabu wasn’t listed in court papers.
A jury trial has been requested by Speary.