Downtown McAllen bars feeling stress, financial loss of crackdown

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — McAllen is cracking down on underage drinking in its entertainment district, and bar owners say they're already feeling the impact.

This past weekend, they say sales dropped and customers stayed away, creating what they’re calling one of the most stressful times they’ve faced.

Last Friday, the city revoked permits for 20 bars, including The Flying Walrus. Owner James Alexander was cited for not having an ID scanner and UV markers in place. He says he’s now using both, but the damage may already be done.

“At least our permit—I can speak for 20 other bars—wasn’t pulled that day or any subsequent day thereof,” Alexander said.

He says that despite complying with the city’s requirements, the uncertainty is still keeping people away.

“It’s been overwhelming and incredibly stressful. This business has been here for a very long time, and there is a lot to lose… a lot of time, history, and a lot of social connections within the community.”

Just down the block, La Santa bar owner Jose Antonio Cedillo says his sales have dropped more than 60 percent.

“On Tuesdays, we used to have people, but now only one person shows up. You don’t see anyone on the streets of downtown. On Thursdays, we used to make two or three sales a day, and now we don’t sell anything. And last Friday, we had just two or three tables.”

His bar was cited for lacking a food permit and failing inspection. He says his team works hard to prevent underage drinking, but it’s not always easy.

“We’re finding little bottles—two or three ounces—that are sold at different liquor stores, and they’re thrown all over the place. They’re hidden in different spots, in the trash, behind toilet seats, and anywhere.”

He says the crackdown is hurting working families who rely on downtown nightlife for their livelihood.

“It’s a loss of money for us. It’s stressful because we keep a monthly accounting. Obviously, we have to pay rent, taxes, electricity, and water. Many families live off this, and there are guys and waitress girls who—honestly—this is the only job they have during the week.”

Cedillo says he’s even willing to pay his security team more to support law enforcement efforts. And both he and Alexander say they’re open to working with the city—if the city is open to listening.

“So far, that hasn’t been the message,” Alexander said, “but that doesn’t mean the message can’t change tomorrow. I’ll continue to be optimistic that moving forward, that kind of talk and dialogue can be pushed to the forefront.”

Bar owners say they’re ready to meet with city leaders and property owners—but for now, no date has been set.