TABC inspector strong arming business

[addison_bryant]

So i went into a liquor store today and had a conversation with the owner. After which I sent this email to the TABC 'question' and 'internal affairs' email addresses. I will post the reply if I get one. My idea here was to take the response to the business owner and let him use it against the bully TABC agent if he chooses. Makes me sick -

Here is the email I sent to TABC -


Hello and thank you for your time. This email is in response to a conversation I had today with an owner/manager of a local liquor store that I visit near my neighborhood. I live in north central Houston. I walked in today to pick up an item and noticed out front in his window he had posted a 30.06 and 30.07 sign advising me that I was not allowed to carry my firearm into his shop. While it is his right to do so, I disarmed and walked in anyway to ask him why he decided to post said sign.

When I ask he said this (and I am paraphrasing) - "One of the local inspectors told me I had to put those up, and I told him I was not required to and didn't want to. Then the inspector said 'maybe it's not the law' but that I 'need to anyway' and I told him I didn't want to. He then said 'well they better be there by my next visit'."

The owner then went on to explain to me how he understands the signs and does not agree with them being posted in his store, but felt threatened by the inspector when confronted and didn't want to cause any trouble with his livelihood. He said he posted some signs and a few days later the inspector came back and told him his signs were not legal and that he would have to buy the correct signs from the state. Which he did as well and posted those.

My question to you - if this the policy or practice of your commission to force, convince, persuade, or otherwise push any opinion on a business that otherwise would not post a conceal/open carry sign? I understand that your officers are entitled to their opinion on the matter, but to express this opinion while operating within their assigned duties of the state is not fair (or legal) and should be addressed. An opinion expressed by an authority of the Texas government, while performing their duties, will to most people be interpreted as the law.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to your timely response. Please feel free to contact me through this email if you have any further questions.

Addison Bryant

[RHenriksen]

Wow, good for you for writing that letter! Not pleasant to hear about a TABC guy w. a political agenda like that.

[Keith B]

So, the state doe not sell 30.06 or 30.07 signs to my knowledge. Can you post a photo of the signs he 'bought from the state'?

[addison_bryant]

So, the state doe not sell 30.06 or 30.07 signs to my knowledge. Can you post a photo of the signs he 'bought from the state'?

I'll post it tomorrow.

[Jusme]

Good job, I knew the TABC was very anti gun, but I hadn't heard of them imposing posting 30.06 or 30.07 signs. The legislation behind 30.06 and 30.07 is not within the TABC authority to enforce or encourage.
Hopefully an agent will be corrected, an the owner can remove his signs.
. On the other hand, there is the distinct possibility, that the owner tried to blame the TABC for the posting. And that may not be the case at all. I would check other liquor stores in the same area, and see if they received the same instruction from the TABC. JMHO

[Mxrdad]

Good job, I knew the TABC was very anti gun, but I hadn't heard of them imposing posting 30.06 or 30.07 signs. The legislation behind 30.06 and 30.07 is not within the TABC authority to enforce or encourage.
Hopefully an agent will be corrected, an the owner can remove his signs.
. On the other hand, there is the distinct possibility, that the owner tried to blame the TABC for the posting. And that may not be the case at all. I would check other liquor stores in the same area, and see if they received the same instruction from the TABC. JMHO

That is great advice. I too would check with other local stores and even ask them if they have been approached by such a monster.

[addison_bryant]

Not a bad idea. I'll ask the next time I'm in another store.

As for this one, after I deliver the TABC response we will see if he takes down the signs. He knows he doesn't have to have them by his own admission just said he was scared of the inspector. Either way, if he doesn't take down the signs it will be my last visit, TABC fault or not.

[WTR]

Parts of the story does not jive. It may be store manager shining you on.

[TreyHouston]

Great letter. Ask the stores around you and be sure to keep us informed! This is EXACTLY the stuff Charles looks for. If other stores have the same story, be sure to email Charles

[addison_bryant]

Parts of the story does not jive. It may be store manager shining you on.

Totally agree, but he knows me and seems rather honest.

Curious what part(s) sounded strange?

[Lynyrd]

I would not have been nearly that diplomatic with the TABC. But I'm old and crusty.

[Oldgringo]

Parts of the story does not jive. It may be store manager shining you on.

Totally agree, but he knows me and seems rather honest.

Curious what part(s) sounded strange?

Name names and places so that the TABC inspector can be identified?

[addison_bryant]

Parts of the story does not jive. It may be store manager shining you on.

Totally agree, but he knows me and seems rather honest.

Curious what part(s) sounded strange?

Name names and places so that the TABC inspector can be identified?

Well he was already _______ nervous just talking to me about it. Not the most go getter fella I've ever met. So I didn't even bother asking for names.

[Mxrdad]

Not a bad idea. I'll ask the next time I'm in another store.

As for this one, after I deliver the TABC response we will see if he takes down the signs. He knows he doesn't have to have them by his own admission just said he was scared of the inspector. Either way, if he doesn't take down the signs it will be my last visit, TABC fault or not.

OK now, don't go developing a serious drinking problem claiming its "journalism". LOL. JK. I forgot to mention nice letter.

[Soccerdad1995]

Not a bad idea. I'll ask the next time I'm in another store.

As for this one, after I deliver the TABC response we will see if he takes down the signs. He knows he doesn't have to have them by his own admission just said he was scared of the inspector. Either way, if he doesn't take down the signs it will be my last visit, TABC fault or not.

OK now, don't go developing a serious drinking problem claiming its "journalism". LOL. JK. I forgot to mention nice letter.

That made me think of an idea. I wonder if certain adult targeted artistic dancing venues in my area are being similarly pressured. I may have to go on a few scouting missions to verify.