Court Opinion

ID: 9847154
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 03:54:48.947003+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:17:02.098239
License: Public Domain

Gregory, Chief Justice,
dissenting:
I respectfully dissent.
I disagree with the majority’s opinion that a directed verdict was properly denied. In my view, the only evidence pertinent to the issue of appellant’s negligence is as follows. On the night in question, signs were visible at the entrance to the auditorium prohibiting patrons from carrying glass containers into the concert. Security personnel were stationed at the entrance with instructions to observe patrons coming in and to investigate any suspicious bulge under clothing or any noticeably heavy hand-carried parcels. In the balcony area, where the bottle-throwing undisputedly occurred, patrons were seated in individual seats in graduated rows. There were twenty-four sections of seats, each with approximately 120 seats. Four security officers were stationed in the balcony where they circulated throughout the concert. There is no evidence of any crowd disturbance occurring in the balcony.
In my opinion, the record is devoid of evidence respondent’s injury was the natural and probable consequence of appellant’s alleged negligence in securing the premises. See Daniel v. Days Inn of America, Inc., 292 S.C. 291, 356 S.E. (2d) 129 (Ct. App. 1987). Respondent presented no evidence that increased security measures would have prevented his injury or that appellant failed to exercise reasonable care to protect its patrons from injury. *248Accordingly, I would reverse the trial judge’s denial of a directed verdict on the issue of liability.