The Austin Police Department may soon take steps to punish downtown bars and nightclubs identified recently as potentially violating state liquor laws by operating and selling drinks after hours.
At the latest meeting of the Downtown Commission, talk turned to the findings of a June study from the Pecan Street Owners Association that showed a number of bars were selling alcohol after hours or engaged in other activities that could violate local or state laws. APD was presenting information on the state of crime and public safety in the entertainment district centering on Sixth Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35.
The study, based on activities observed over two weekends in March, named several bars – Mala Vida, Mala Fama, The Creek and The Cave, Lit Lounge, 512 Bar, The Cut, Space Siete, Tellers – for possible punishment, with investigator Marcus Stokke noting, “We were able to infiltrate the after-hours unlicensed bars while carrying our pistols.”…