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July 30, 2018

TABC Reaches Agreement with Local Public House Permittee to Cancel Permit in Wake of Sept. 2017 Shooting at House Party

AUSTIN – The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has reached a settlement with a Plano private club which allegedly served alcohol to an intoxicated patron who later killed his estranged wife and seven other people at her residence in September 2017.

Local Public House, 2001 W. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano, has agreed to cancel its permit effective Aug. 1 following a TABC investigation into the shooting. As part of the settlement, the permit holder did not admit to any wrongdoing, and will not be required to close any other active permits they currently hold.

TABC opened its investigation into the club shortly after the Sept. 10, 2017, shooting in which Spencer Hight opened fire at the Plano home of his estranged wife Meridith Hight. According to a Plano Police Department investigation, Meridith Hight was holding a football viewing party at her home when the shooting occurred. Spencer Hight was later shot and killed by a police officer who responded to the incident, which Plano Police Chief Greg W. Rushin called the worst mass shooting in the city’s history.

As part of its investigation, TABC worked to determine if club employees violated state law by knowingly serving alcohol to an intoxicated person. Investigators also examined evidence indicating that employees failed to notify police after Hight allegedly displayed prohibited weapons inside the bar. By reaching the settlement with the Local Public House permittee, TABC is closing out its administrative case. Any criminal charges against club management or employees would be the purview of local officials.

"This case shows the critically important role that TABC-licensed businesses play in upholding public safety," said TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles. "Anyone, including customers, business owners, or employees, should contact their local police any time they suspect a threat to the public. In some cases, shootings like this can be stopped before a life is lost."

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Porter TABC Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462 chris.porter@tabc.texas.gov