Several bars in downtown McAllen remain in the dark after the city announced on Friday they cut the power to more than a dozen businesses in the area.

It's part of the city's increased enforcement after a police officer was assaulted while breaking up a fight in the downtown area on Aug. 24. Two teens were arrested in connection with the assault.

Following the assault, city officials announced they would begin to take action against businesses that refused to implement safeguards to prevent underage drinking.

The city began targeting bars that haven’t complied with or updated their permits.

READ MORE: City of McAllen cuts power to downtown businesses operating without certificate of occupancy

Flying Walrus owner James Alexander said all their permits are up-to-date. The bars that had their power shut off reportedly lacked a certificate of occupancy permit, meaning they were open to the public without the city officially knowing about it.

“That was a little bit shocking,” Alexander said of the power being shut off for neighboring businesses.

Alexander said he was cited two weeks ago for not following the rules for a special use permit for not using a UV marker to mark minors at the Flying Walrus. He said his staff was using a black marker instead.

He was also cited for not using an age-verification device on IDs. Alexander said staff was checking IDs — just without the device.

Alexander said he wonders why it took a police officer to be assaulted for the city to begin cracking down.

“It goes without saying and without a doubt that the job was not done adequately for at least the last decade,” Alexander said.

McAllen City Manager Isaac Tawil said the city is looking to meet with property and business owners to discuss solutions.

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