SALT LAKE CITY -- A family has filed a lawsuit against Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort a year after they were assaulted by a group of drunk patrons during Oktoberfest, according to a lawsuit filed Monday.
The Anderson family and Thadius Grzeskiewicz are suing for negligent and illegal sale of alcohol. They claim Snowbird employees should have stopped serving the men alcohol.
According to the lawsuit, the incident took place on Sept. 14 when Brent and Laura Anderson and Grzeskiewicz, Laura Anderson’s son, were staying at the resort during the annual Oktoberfest. Grzeskiewcz, his wife and 4-month-old son were also among the group.
That evening, the lawsuit indicates the family bought Hidden Peak tram tickets. A short time after they got in line for the tram, a group of about nine individuals carrying steins filled with beer arrived.
The lawsuit claims the group was heavily intoxicated and using offensive language.
“Brent Anderson, concerned about his family and the other passengers, politely asked the individuals who were swearing to please temper their language as there were families with children present,” the lawsuit indicates.
Snowbird personnel present did not question or caution the group, the lawsuit claims. Instead, they were told to finish or pour out their drinks before getting on the tram.
“During the ascent to Hidden Peak, several of the intoxicated individuals continued to use vulgar language,” according to the lawsuit.
When the tram reached the top, the Anderson family and other visitors who were not drinking tried to separate themselves from the from disruptive group.
“A short while later, however, the intoxicated individuals began to specifically harass and threaten the Andersons,” the lawsuit claims.
Brent Anderson, his wife and Grzeskiewicz sustained injuries due to the fight.
Three of the individuals were arrested for assault according to a Unified police report.
FOX 13 News spoke to resort officials Monday who said the fight should be settled in criminal court.
