Local restaurant Uncle Roy’s Catfish and Seafood Grill on Melwood will be closing its doors on June 22nd when its alcohol permit is cancelled by the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC).
A couple of unfortunate incidents, or aggravated breaches of the peace, caused the TABC to issue a mandatory cancellation of their alcohol permit.
The first incident occurred on March 12, 2010 when an argument broke out inside the bar. Owner Roy Haire explained that his bartender, who has over 30 years experience, said she had “never seen anything get that violent that fast.” Haire said one woman was injured and sent to the hospital.
Lt. Randy Motz of the TABC stated that the incident resulted in a 26 day suspension of the alcohol permit at the time.
The second incident was a dispute at the bar that was carried out into the parking lot of the establishment and resulted in one man being stabbed.
“It was very serious, the man almost bled to death because the knife hit the main artery,” stated Haire. “The body has 8 pints of blood in it and he had to have 7 units put into him.”
TABC officials stated that the permit had to be cancelled due to the violent occurrences for public safety.
“We try to keep an eye on that (the violent incidences) because we don’t want anyone to lose their life,” said Lt. Motz. “Paul Morgan investigated and did a good job.”
Motz said that when the TABC cancels a permit, the owner can request a hearing on the case, but Haire did not request a hearing regarding the issue.
Haire explained that the business is doing well other than the permit problems, and that he could operate the business without the bar; however, the bar is what makes it profitable. Haire said that he could reapply for a permit in a year.
“Unfortunately, the bar is what helps keep everything afloat. Without the bar, I would have to pour money into the business for 12 months until we could get the permit back and I just cannot afford to do that,” said Haire.
Trying to sell the restaurant is an option he would rather see than just shutting down the business. Haire stated that he is offering the restaurant property, including the real estate, equipment, storage buildings, recipes and even the name, which is now very established. Another owner can apply for an alcohol permit and operate the bar for a successful business according to Haire.
According to Lt. Motz, another bar and club in Brownwood will be facing a TABC hearing next month.
