Party's over: McAllen to sue 3 downtown bars for safety standards

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — McAllen is cracking down on activities that may encourage underage drinking in McAllen's Downtown Entertainment District. The city announced it has filed a lawsuit against three bars for failing to comply with safety standards.

On Friday, the city posted on its Facebook page that it took action by filing lawsuits against Vandu, Times Two Shot Bar, and Brava Show Bar. However, as of late Friday night, no court filings exist in Hidalgo County's public portal.

ValleyCentral reached out to a source familiar with the lawsuit, who said it will be filed soon.

"Special Use Permits are issued only when businesses demonstrate the ability to fully comply with key public safety measures—including proper lighting, security protocols, and age-verification technology to prevent underage drinking," the post stated. "These safeguards are in addition to standard building, fire, and occupancy codes designed to protect patrons and staff."

According to the city, this marks the first phase of a broader initiative to ensure all Entertainment and Cultural Overlay District establishments comply with both State Law and City Ordinances.

The decision follows a recent incident that involved two teenagers who were arrested for assaulting a police officer in the area.

The announcement came after a tense city meeting where bar owners voiced mixed opinions on how best to maintain safety and enforce age restrictions.

“It is insulting,” said James Alexander, a local bar owner. “Eighteen-year-olds can fight and die in Iraq. Eighteen-year-olds walk into that booth and they vote for you, Mr. Mayor. For you to tell me that an 18-year-old is incapable of taking care of themselves or handling themselves with any sort of maturity.”

But other business owners, like Jason Zuniga, who owns The Mini Bar on 17th Street, support the stricter rules aimed at keeping minors out of the nightlife scene.

“Buying a Coca-Cola, buying water, is not revenue, you know, generated, so they shouldn't be there,” Zuniga said. “That's my perspective. I don't open doors to minors. We don't believe this should happen. I don't believe they should be in the bar. They're not able to consume. So I don't know what's the point of having them there.”

Zuniga said incidents like last weekend’s altercation are not unusual, and that many other bar owners have previously warned the city about potential dangers. He believes it took a police officer getting involved for the city to finally take meaningful action.

“We couldn't—by the time we got out there, it was already (too late),” Zuniga said. “The situation had escalated to a situation that we already know already, but this is what we don't want to happen.”

According to Mayor Javier Villalobos, the city now plans to increase enforcement through stricter inspections, focusing on occupancy limits and alcohol permit compliance. He also firmly believes that no minor should be allowed into a bar, but hopes bar owners will do this voluntarily.

“I disagree, and this is precisely my reason,” said Villalobos. “I don’t think young ladies at the age of 17, 18, 19, and 20 years old should be utilized as bait to bring in other individuals to a bar. I think that is unacceptable. They are not there to drink. They shouldn’t be there.”

City officials say violations may result in court citations or even potential shutdowns.

“This message goes out to all operators on 17th Street and, in reality, throughout the city of McAllen: there will be more enforcement,” Villalobos warned. “If you are cited, you will have to appear, and no—there is not going to be any passes in municipal court. If we have to shut you down and have to file a suit against you in district court to shut you down, we will.”

The city plans to hold additional meetings with bar and property owners in the coming weeks. Zuniga says he hopes the changes will bring lasting improvements to the district.

“At the end of the day, that’s what we want,” he said. “Peaceful people who want to have fun and get there safe and leave there safe.”

Derick Garcia contributed to this report.