3 Local Bars Have Their Permits Canceled By TABC

The permits of three El Paso bars have been canceled following a investigations by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

The bars are: Shooters EP, also known as Shooters Billiards; Exquisite Night Club, formerly known as Club Fussion; and Las Socias.

Recent shooting deaths occurred at Shooters and Exquisite, both located on Dyer Street.

In April ABC-7 questioned officials with the TABC whether Shooters would risk losing their alcohol permit in the wake of a deadly shooting. At the time, Lieutenant Sal Moralez said that a permit could be closed if the investigation led them to believe that the shooting could have been prevented by bar employees.

According to the TABC, Las Socias, located on Socorro Street in San Elizario, had several violations involving possession of illicit alcoholic beverages and refilling containers. In all three instances, the permit holders opted to cancel their permits and close their businesses, waiving their right to an administrative hearing, TABC officials said in a statement.

A 2009 TABC guide shows that a first non-deadly violation results in a three-to-five-day closure, a second violation costs a business six to 10 days, while a third violation will draw anything from an 18-day closure to a cancellation of the establishment?s liquor license. In lieu of closure, establishments can also pay a $300 fine for each day to keep their doors open.

In more severe cases, where aggravated assault occurs, the fines are much steeper. A first offense costs a business 25-30 days, while a second offense will result in a cancellation of a business? liquor license.

Penalties are not written in stone. Moralez told ABC-7 that in extreme circumstances they can ask for the cancellation of a license. The owner of the establishment can determine whether they?ll follow the recommendation or they can go to a SOHA court where a judge determines what the fine will be.

Any time a permit is canceled for cause due to a shooting, stabbing or other violent act, a new permit cannot be issued at that location for at least 12 months.

Since 2006, the TABC has been instrumental in the closure of 137 locations in the El Paso area for various violations including stabbings, shootings, fights, and other TABC Code and Rule violations.

“We whole-heartedly encourage and want responsible retailers in business. But in those instances when it is clear that a retailer is violating the law, and placing citizens in harm’s way, we will take action. Our biggest concern is the safety of the public as it relates to our licensed locations,” states Moralez, Jr. The TABC is currently investigating several other licensed locations and if violations are found, administrative action will be taken.