TABC Suspends Liquor Permit of Midland Bar for Seven Days Following Shooting

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has suspended a Midland-area bar's liquor license for seven days following a deadly February 16 shootout between rival motorcycle gangs which left one person dead and three others injured.

Your Place, 3704 West Wall Street, will remain closed until February 23 as TABC agents and Midland police investigate the scene.

The seven-day suspension, also known as a summary suspension, was requested by the Midland Police Department and was served by TABC the afternoon of February 17, according to TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles.

"The goal of the suspension is to allow TABC agents and local police the opportunity to safely investigate the scene of a deadly incident without fear of retaliation or additional violence," Nettles said. "TABC's investigation will seek to determine whether the bar's actions or policies played any role in the incident. We will also examine the bar's security policies and procedures to find out whether appropriate steps were taken to ensure guests' safety."

All alcohol retailers who operate under a TABC-issued license or permit are required to ensure the safety of their premises and guests. As Texas' sole regulator of the alcoholic beverage industry, TABC's law enforcement agents frequently investigate violent incidents which take place at licensed businesses such as bars, clubs, or liquor stores.

While Your Place will be able to resume normal operations after February 23, it's likely the investigations by TABC and the Midland Police Department will continue for several weeks.

Media Contact:Chris Porter Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462