• Posted on Thursday, August 27, 2009
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Administrator's comments on Texas gay bar incident under scrutiny

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Another internal investigation will be launched in connection with a bar check at a Fort Worth gay bar in June, this time in regards to public comments made by Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission Administrator Alan Steen about the incident.

TABC Commissioners Steve Weinberg and Melinda Fredricks voted Tuesday to ask General Counsel Lou Bright and the captain of the state agency's internal affairs division to look into a complaint filed by Agent Christopher Aller, one of two TABC agents who assisted Fort Worth police in the controversial June 28 bar check of the Rainbow Lounge.

The incident sparked outrage by gay rights activist who alleged officers used excessive force in the inspection that resulted in five arrests for public intoxication and left another patron, Chad Gibson, hospitalized with a serious head injury. Gibson was cited for assault and public intoxication.

"I have great confidence in and respect for Alan Steen's leadership," Fredricks said after the Commission meeting according to a press release issued by the agency Thursday morning. "My vote in no way should be seen as anything other than following procedure when an allegation has been made."

Read the complete story at star-telegram.com

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