More Harassment Of Texas Gay Bars?

In what some patrons are describing as a continuing harassment of Texas gay bars, yesterday the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission closed the Dallas Eagle during its grand re-opening due to the presence of a minor. TABC agents had visited the club earlier in the evening and forced the suspension of sales because an inaccurate address on the liquor license. (The club had moved approximately 100 yards across a parking lot.) That issue was apparently resolved and the party continued. But after an undercover minor was served a drink, TABC agents returned in "ninja masks" and closed the club again. One person may have been arrested for "public intoxication," but that is not confirmed.

Two weeks ago the Rainbow Lounge in nearby Fort Worth was raided by the TABC and local police in an incident that resulted in charges of police brutality after a patron was hospitalized with a severe head injury. The Fort Worth police have since suspended working with the TABC pending an inquiry.