A 17-year-old was shot in an after-hours club, prompting concerns from city leaders and the bar industry.
SAN ANTONIO — In the last month, violence has broken out at BYOB or “bring your own beer/booze” establishments.
On Saturday, police said a 17-year-old girl was shot inside an after-hours club around 6 a.m. on the northwest side.
Then back on March 2, at a different after-hours club on the south side, an officer-involved shooting took place. The police chief said his officers were ambushed while investigating the illegal club. One suspect was shot as a result of the incident.
City leaders have tried to address the concerns that come with these types of establishments but were met with hurdles concerning state laws.
More than a year ago, we reported about District 8 Councilman and Mayoral Candidate, Manny Pelaez proposing stricter rules for what he called “loophole bars.”
However, in September when the proposal was brought up before the public safety committee, they found they did not have the jurisdiction to enforce those rules.
Mayoral candidate and District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello-Havrda said the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission would need to set new regulations or rules.
However, these BYOB establishments are not selling alcohol or buying alcohol, so she said that is why they are considered a loophole bar.
She said city leaders are now focused on making sure SAPD and the DART team are monitoring problematic businesses.
“We can make sure that we have enough police around the area, especially the certain establishments that are after hours that may not be following the rules that may have a history of crime in the area,” Cabello-Havrda said.
Cabello-Havrda said she was shocked when she learned of the most recent event at Diamond Ultra Lounge off Evers Road Saturday morning.
TABC confirmed to KENS 5 the business does not have a license to sell alcohol so it is considered BYOB.
Investigators found a 17-year-old gunshot victim but said it is unclear what led to the shooting. No arrests have been made but the victim is expected to be OK.
“It’s clearly very dangerous,” Cabello-Havrda said. “We will not allow our neighborhoods to be in danger.”
The incident has also caught the attention of the bar industry in San Antonio. The owner of The Friendly Spot Ice House in South Town, Jody Bailey Newman, said there are several local restaurants that fall under the BYOB category that do follow the rules.
“It’s certainly frustrating for local independent business owners who are doing things the right way,” Bailey Newman said.
However, she worries these after-hours clubs may have given San Antonio’s night life a black eye.
“It’s definitely going to have to take creativity by leaders and law enforcement to figure out how to catch these types of businesses,” Bailey Newman said.
You are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal activity at these spots to SAPD and your councilperson. Cabello-Havrda said those reports allow them to start building a case against an establishment that is operating illegally.
