Austin Police Edge Closer to Cracking Down on After-Hours Bars Downtown Amid Tension with Owners
The brewing tension between downtown Austin bars operating after hours and law enforcement could soon spill over into action. A report by the Austin Monitor on September 23rd revealed that the Austin Police Department (APD) has been inching closer to taking action against establishments found to violate state liquor laws.
During a recent Downtown Commission meeting, the APD discussed the June findings from the Pecan Street Owners Association study, which documented bars such as Mala Vida and Lit Lounge potentially selling alcohol past legal hours. The investigation, Marcus Stokke said, allowed them to "infiltrate the after-hours unlicensed bars while carrying our pistols," as reported by the Austin Monitor. APD Lieutenant Christopher Juusola underscored the department's proactive approach, stating, "We try to give the business managers and the building owners a chance to try to rectify the problems. We want to show that they’re working with the city, they’re working with the police department on making the community safer for everybody."
Bar owners, however, feel they are being unfairly targeted, voicing concerns that the crackdown serves to selectively favor upscale clientele, as per the Austin Monitor's coverage. Nevertheless, Shawn Cirkiel, chairman of the Pecan Street Association, insists that the study and subsequent measures are borne out of genuine concerns by bar and nightclub owners over unfair competition from those skirting the rules.
As downtown Austin's landscape verges on transformation with Stream Realty Partners' acquisition of numerous properties on Sixth Street, questions on the district's future dominate discourse among business and policy circles. Stream has voiced intentions to diversify the district's offering with a focus on restaurants and blending in residential, hotel, and office spaces, according to the Austin Monitor. For establishments that meticulously honor their agreements with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the state comptroller through taxes and regulations, the sight of after-hour sales arguably does little else but ruffle the meticulously woven fabric of lawful operation.
The tale of Sixth Street is far from over as APD and city officials continue to closely monitor the compliance of said establishments with the recommendations handed down. The future may spell tighter control, transforming these once-whispered speakeasies into mere echoes of Austin's vibrant nocturnal past.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings