TABC issues emergency order suspending Fort Worth bar’s permit following two deadly shootings
AUSTIN — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has issued an emergency order suspending the liquor permit of a Fort Worth bar for 60 days following multiple deadly shootings that left two people dead.
El Gallito Copeton Night Club, located on 3202 N. Main Street in Fort Worth, was served with the 60-day emergency order by TABC on May 21. The suspension will remain in place for 60 days effective immediately, and the bar may not sell or serve alcohol during the suspension. A hearing to affirm, amend, or set aside the order will be held with the State Office of Administrative Hearings on May 31.
The first shooting occurred at the business on May 12, resulting in the death of one man. One week later on May 19, a second man was shot and killed on the premises. The bar holds a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) and Late Hours Certificate (LH).
Section 11.614 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code authorizes TABC to suspend a business’s license or permit for up to 90 days if it’s believed that the business’s continued operation could pose a risk to public safety.
“TABC has a responsibility to ensure that its licensed and permitted businesses have no role in causing threats to public safety,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. “This emergency order of suspension will help prevent additional risks to public safety from occurring at the business while investigators continue their work on this case.”
The case remains under investigation by TABC and the Fort Worth Police Department.
MEDIA CONTACT: Juan Rodriguez
TABC Communications
media@tabc.texas.gov
You must conduct and file a compliance report (i.e., self-inspection) for each of your TABC licenses and permits listed above between Jan. 1 and March 31 each year. Failure to timely file your report(s) could result in a warning, fine, or the inability to renew your license or permit.
However, TABC is extending the deadline to May 31 this year as businesses are conducting their reports within the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS) for the first time, and certain license/permit holders could not access the new compliance reporting feature initially. Some users also needed more time to set up their accounts properly for the compliance reporting feature.
All licensed and permitted premises in Texas should begin conducting compliance reports now — including Package Store Permit (P), Wine and Malt Beverage Retailer's Permit (BG), or Brewer's License (BW) with subordinate permits such as a Local Cartage Permit, Brewpub License, Late Hours Certificate, and more.
If you have already completed and submitted an annual compliance report for each of your licensed and permitted locations in Texas this year, thank you! No further action is needed.
TABC conducting spring break public safety operations throughout March
AUSTIN — Agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be in liquor stores, bars, beaches, and other locations where alcohol is sold throughout March as the agency kicks off its annual spring break public safety operations.
Dozens of TABC’s more-than 200 commissioned peace officers will take part in the operations, which identify locations where alcohol is sold to minors in violation of state law. Planned operations for 2024 include underage compliance operations, in which TABC agents attempt to identify businesses selling alcohol to people younger than 21.
“The spring festival season, including spring break and a number of popular events across the state, is among the busiest times for alcohol retailers,” said Thomas Graham, TABC executive director. “Each year, TABC makes it a point to empower our retailers to identify some of the most common violations and take steps to help keep their business and communities safe.”
Prior to the operations, TABC auditors often visit alcohol retailers in the most popular spring break destinations to provide training and answer questions about best practices related to preventing the sale of alcohol to minors. One such meeting took place on South Padre Island in mid-February, giving retailers there a chance to learn about best practices for avoiding safety risks such as illicit alcohol sales.
“The ultimate goal is not to penalize retailers who are doing their best to conduct business during a busy time,” Graham said. “What we want to do first and foremost is to ensure they have the tools they need to successfully operate while keeping their customers and employees safe.”
Businesses that sell alcohol to people under 21 could face a civil fine or suspension of their license to sell alcohol. Employees who conduct the sale could also find themselves charged with a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.
For more information about TABC, visit tabc.texas.gov.
Media Contact:
Chris Porter
TABC Director of Communications
(512) 206-3462
media@tabc.texas.gov
