A harrowing incident at a Boca Raton bowling alley has led to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for business owners and their responsibilities towards patrons. Vincent Mangione filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on July 5, 2024, against Bowlero Boca Raton, LLC.

The case revolves around an incident that occurred on June 6, 2023, at Bowlero Boca Raton’s premises located at 21046 Commercial Trail in Boca Raton. Mangione was lawfully present as an invitee when he was struck by a ball thrown by an intoxicated patron of the establishment. According to the complaint, this resulted in serious injuries to Mangione. The plaintiff asserts that Bowlero had a duty to maintain safe premises and failed to do so through various acts of negligence.

Mangione’s lawsuit accuses Bowlero of multiple breaches of duty. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Bowlero failed to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of its invitees and did not employ necessary security staff or procedures to deter dangerous misconduct by intoxicated patrons. The plaintiff further claims that Bowlero neglected to monitor and control alcohol service adequately and failed to stop serving alcohol to the patron who eventually caused his injuries. “Defendant knew or should have known that due to its history of intoxicated patrons, the premises posed a security risk,” states one part of the complaint.