5 Austin bars fail alcohol checks; Police put taverns to the test to head off sales to minors

Published 7:53 am Thursday, February 8, 2018

The owners of five onsite liquor sale establishments were cited on Tuesday for failing alcohol compliance checks.

According to Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger, Austin police conducted a compliance check on Friday evening for nine establishments. Police sent an 18 year-old female with proper identification into each establishment. The underage girl then ordered alcohol.

Of the nine establishments tested, Dusty’s Bar and Lounge, B and J Bar and Grill, Hiawatha Bar, Bobee Jo’s and the Eagles Club all failed to check the girl’s identification and served her alcohol. The girl then left the establishment and met with police.

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The failing establishments were fined $500. This is the second citation for B and J’s Bar and Grill within a two-year window, meaning they will have to pay a $750 fine and are prohibited from selling alcohol for three days. The previous citation came during Hormel’s 125-year celebration because the establishment allowed patrons to drink alcoholic beverages outdoors beyond the patio area.

Krueger said the police conduct these checks at least once a year.

“Never have we seen them fail this bad,” he said. “It’s disappointing.”

Krueger also said the owner’s agreed to pay their fines and talk to their staff about alcohol compliance.

Hy-Vee Market Grille, Torge’s Live, The Bakery Lounge and Hoot and Ole’s Tavern all passed the compliance check.