Crews Inn has apparently closed because the Fitzhugh Avenue gay bar’s mixed-beverage permit was recently suspended by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
TABC spokeswoman Carolyn Beck confirmed this morning that Crews Inn’s permit has been suspended because the bar failed to pay and/or report gross receipts sales tax.
“They could still be open, but they can’t sell alcoholic beverages,” Beck said.
Beck said businesses with mixed-beverage permits must pay a 14 percent tax on all mixed-beverage sales to the Texas Comptroller’s Office. Crews Inn initially was cited for failing to pay and/or report on April 23. Beck said it was unclear how much in back taxes the bar owes.
In a separate matter, Beck said Crews Inn also appears on TABC’s “Credit Law Delinquent List,” because the bar owes $3,507.52 to wholesaler Buckeye Liquor. The delinquent status means no wholesaler can sell liquor to Crews Inn until the amount is paid and the bar is removed from the list, Beck said.
Crews Inn co-owner David Moore didn’t return a phone call seeking comment. The bar, which has been fixture in the community for decades, reportedly closed its doors at midnight Wednesday.
Crews Inn was the target of protests in 2008 after the bar reportedly banned drag queens on Tuesday nights.
Thank you for posting this story….everyone has been asking, but the rumors going around last night were more fun .