AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — An investigation by the Texas liquor board has cleared its agents of wrongdoing in a raid of a gay bar in Fort Worth that left a customer injured and led to protests.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said Thursday that it didn't find the Rainbow Lounge was targeted because of its gay and lesbian customers. The agency also says agents didn't use force beyond what was necessary and reasonable during the bar check operation June 28.
TABC Administrator Alan Steen says that although evidence didn't show agents targeted the bar or used excessive force, they did violate several policies.
A 74-page report of the raid is expected to be ready later Thursday. It was compiled from statements by eyewitnesses, experts, TABC employees and Fort Worth police.
On the Net:
www.tabc.state.tx.us
©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
