A 6^th Street bar is under fire from state agents who want it shut down.  Agents with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission say the Co-Op Bar is a public safety hazard. 

KVUE

According to the TABC, the Co-Op Bar has a history of violations.  But when a bouncer died in the street after a fight back in January, it was the last straw for the TABC.

For years, it was called Wylie’s.  When Wylie’s was sold, it became the Shadow Lounge.  The owner of the Shadow Lounge changed the name to the Co-Op Bar three years ago.  In that time, it’s attracted a following.

“I think it’s an okay bar, just like any other bar in Austin,” said Josh Kintigh, a patron of the Co-Op Bar.

Now, the TABC says an investigation on their part suggests the bar is not like any other in the city.

“Several intoxication issues and several issues with minors and breaches of the peace seem to be the recurring problem at this location,” said Lieutenant Robert Saenz, with TABC.

Saenz said the agency tried working with the Co-Op Bar, but to no avail.

“We feel like this location has had ample time and opportunity to clean up their act.  Therefore we are recommending cancellation (of their license) due to their history of serious violations,” he said.

In December 2005, the TABC says an underage employee of the Co-Op Bar, who was drinking on the job, killed a person in a traffic collision when he left work.  In May 2006, witnesses told investigators that four bouncers used excessive force when they attacked a patron.  Then this past January, a bouncer collapsed and died after a fight in the bar.  He died of natural causes.

The bouncer’s death was the impetus for the TABC investigation, which agents wrapped up this week.

“That in and of itself is not why we would recommend cancellation, it's the repeated and recurring nature of public safety violations at this one location,” said Lt. Saenz.

An attorney for the Co-Op Bar responded to the TABC's allegations late Thursday evening. She said: "The TABC are bullies who are trying to shut the Co-Op Bar down because most of the patrons are minorities. It's sad and inappropriate to use the news to execute their agenda." 

The cancellation of the bar’s liquor license is a recommendation by the TABC.  An administrative state judge will have the final say in a decision that could take several months.