Texas halts arrests of drunks in bars

Reuters reports:

A controversial Texas program to send undercover agents into bars to arrest drunks has been halted after a firestorm of protest from the public.


The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has "temporarily suspended" what it called "Operation Last Call" even though it still believes it was worthwhile, commission spokeswoman Carolyn Beck said on Thursday.

"We understand that everything has room for improvement, this included," she said.

She said most of those arrested in the sting operations had been "dangerously drunk" and might have tried to drive if TABC agents had not busted them.

The TABC has launched an internal investigation of Operation Last Call and a Texas Legislature committee will hold hearings on the program on Monday.

What's the morality behind The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission? Coerced tax dollars pay for these salaries.We bring up the irony because the real threat to the public isn't drunk people but government officials with coercive power.