Texas police look in bars for signs of drunkenness

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DALLAS -- Undercover police are hanging out in North Texas bars and hauling off those they deem inebriated. No breath test required, just an officer's observations.

The effort, under way for several months and generating strong public opposition, is led by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

"Going to a bar is not an opportunity to go get drunk," said TABC Capt. David Alexander, who heads the task force. "It's to have a good time, but not to get drunk."

Under Operation Last Call, Capt. Alexander's force, which includes some city police, has hauled in about 2,200 people, including bartenders who continue to serve patrons who are drunk. Those cited are either fined, up to $500 for public intoxication, or detained for at least 12 hours.

Officials say the effort is designed to combat Texas' drunken-driving rate, the highest in the nation. Opponents call it as an invasion of privacy and an infringement of civil rights.

"My grandparents went through this kind of repression in Germany a long time ago. I never thought it would happen here," said Gunther Thede, a 24-year-old student.

"What about a person who is in a group with a designated driver? Or a person who is just having a few before going upstairs to his hotel room?"

Several bar owners and employees predict the TABC crackdown will hamper business.

"Why would you go somewhere where you could be sitting in a bar, not bothering anybody, not causing any trouble, and you can go to jail for sitting there and having six beers?" bar owner Bob Allen wondered.

Another bar owner, who requested anonymity, said some proprietors are not speaking out against the campaign because they fear retribution from the TABC, which issues liquor licenses.