Legal Question in Business Law in Texas

Forced out by made-up permit requirements?

I work for a recently opened, small restaurant/bar in a neighborhood where a majority of the businesses are gay owned and operated.Our liquor& food license and inspections, & late-night permit are all current. We have started building our late-night bar business by having a two-man band play for our guests once a week after our kitchen closes (10pm). We've also had ''entertainment'' such as lip-sync contests, radio station remotes/promotion, free Salsa/Mambo lessons. These events take place from 10pm-2am. There is NEVER a cover charge. We do a small bit of advertising in the form of flyers on a table by the door for the guests to pickup on their way out, or a small banner hung in our front window. A woman (apparently from a city dept)came in and demanded that all entertainment/promotions cease until we aquire the correct ''entertainment'' permit or risk being shut down. We are mainly a restaurant. We are not required to hold a dance hall permit.Are there other city permits that we should be aware of? I should also say that I have yet to officially I.D. this woman & a nearby bar w/ $ and yrs. behind it has been known to ''make it difficult'' for new establiments to prosper. Are we in non-compliance or are we being bullied???


Asked on 8/28/04, 10:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Forced out by made-up permit requirements?

These types of permits are city and locale specific. Were you issued a citation? Did you get this person's name and the office for which she works? There's a possibility that you might need some sort of permit, such as a DHP, or late hours, etc., but I wouldn't be able to determine that without knowing the exact location of your establishment.

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Answered on 8/28/04, 11:39 am


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