TABC didn’t learn their lesson with their battle with Dallas Night Club. Now they are going after the Co-Op Bar.
KVUE reported that the Co-Op Bar, formerly known as Wylie’s, on 6th Street bar in Austin is under fire from state agents who want it closed. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission alleges that the Co-Op Bar is a public safety hazard.
TABC is reporting that the Co-Op Bar has a history of violations. After a bouncer died in the back in January after a fight outside the club, TABC decided to take action.
TABC believes that the Co-Op is worse than the other bars in the city.
“Several intoxication issues and several issues with minors and breaches of the peace seem to be the recurring problem at this location,†said Lieutenant Robert Saenz, with TABC.
Saenz said the agency tried working with the Co-Op Bar, but to no avail.
“We feel like this location has had ample time and opportunity to clean up their act. Therefore we are recommending cancellation (of their license) due to their history of serious violations,†he said.
In December 2005, the TABC says an underage employee of the Co-Op Bar, who was drinking on the job, killed a person in a traffic collision when he left work. In May 2006, witnesses told investigators that four bouncers used excessive force when they attacked a patron. Then this past January, a bouncer collapsed and died after a fight in the bar. He died of natural causes.
TABC says that the bouncer’s death was the final straw, and decided to take action.
An attorney for the Co-Op Bar responded to the TABC’s allegations late Thursday evening. She said: “The TABC are bullies who are trying to shut the Co-Op Bar down because most of the patrons are minorities. It’s sad and inappropriate to use the news to execute their agenda.”
The cancellation of the bar’s liquor license is merely a recommendation by the TABC. An administrative state judge will have the final say as to whether the Co-Op loses their license.
The frustrating part of this action is that the bouncer died of natural causes. How is that Co-Op’s fault or responsibility. How in the world does that have anything to so with their liquor license. My believe is that in light of TABC’s spanking they received with their over aggressive Public Intoxication campaign, they are getting that itch again to get back in the headlines. I honestly believe that they just can’t help themselves.