In a recent government meeting, allegations of misconduct were discussed regarding a compliance check at the Smokehouse establishment on August 3, 2024. The meeting focused on an incident where law enforcement officers were reportedly hindered from entering the premises by a doorman, leading to questions about compliance with regulations.
The session began with the introduction of Travis Jacobs, representing the licensee, and Captain Peasley, who waived the reading of the complaint. Counsel for the licensee requested to view security footage from the night of the incident, which included two videos—one from an iPhone and a longer six-minute video. The longer video was selected for review, showing interactions between the bar's management and law enforcement.
Detective Thomas Feann from the Wolf Police Department recounted his experience upon arrival at the Smokehouse. He stated that he and his colleagues announced their presence as police officers while attempting to enter the establishment for a compliance check. However, they were met with resistance from the doorman, who allegedly put his arms out to block their entry. This led to Lieutenant Steve Coyle intervening to physically remove the doorman from the doorway, allowing the officers to proceed with their compliance check.
The discussion highlighted the timeline of events, with officers arriving at approximately 12:15 AM and being hindered for a brief period before gaining access. The officers emphasized that they had conducted numerous compliance checks at the Smokehouse without prior incident, raising questions about the doorman's actions that night.
Commissioners expressed concerns about the doorman's training and the potential implications of hindering law enforcement. The definition of \"hindering\" was debated, with some commissioners noting that even a brief obstruction could be considered a violation of the law. The meeting concluded with a consensus that while there was a hindrance, the situation was resolved quickly and efficiently, with no prior issues reported at the establishment.
The outcome of this meeting may have implications for the Smokehouse's operations and its compliance with local regulations, as the board considers the nature of the incident and the responsibilities of both law enforcement and the establishment's staff.