T's Tavern to go before liquor board hearing

A hearing has been set for May 18 to determine whether the owners of a south side bar will have their liquor license taken away, after one of them allegedly shot at a customer.

The Carson City Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Ken Furlong, serving as the Liquor and Entertainment Board, will consider revoking alcohol sales privileges of David and Talea Morgan, who own T's Tavern at 3679 S. Carson St.

The decision was made during the supervisors meeting on Thursday.

Talea Morgan is accused of shooting at a patron numerous times on Feb. 6. No one was injured. She is scheduled to appear in district court in June on suspicion of committing a gross misdemeanor.

The initial report states that Morgan allegedly tried to convince her employees and workers at a neighboring business not to tell authorities what happened. Deputies were contacted the next day, however.

They found that two bullets had pierced through a wall separating T's and West Coast Beauty Supply. Evidence of two or three more discharges from a .45-caliber handgun was also found. Bullet holes were repaired in an attempt to cover up the incident, deputies said.

Earlier this month, T's Tavern was also ensnared in a sting when one of its employees served alcohol to a minor working with deputies to conduct alcohol compliance checks.

The shooting and serving of alcohol to a minor are enough to "show just cause" for a hearing, said Supervisor Richard Staub.

The Nevada Department of Taxation also investigated the business for allegedly buying alcohol from a non-licensed wholesaler to sell to its customers, according to the district attorney's office said.

Any liquor not purchased from a licensed Nevada wholesaler or dealer is seized by the state. The purchases are subject to state tax based on amount purchased and type.

"The order to show cause places burden of proof on the license holder to present evidence why their license should not be revoked," said Senior Deputy DA Michael Suglia. "The burden of proof is by a preponderance of the evidence. It's a lower burden of proof than in a criminal case."

This is why some details from the police report and state investigation were discussed during this meeting even though pertinent criminal charges weren't filed.

There are approximately 150 liquor licenses issued to businesses in the city. If this license were revoked, it would be the second such action by the board in as many months. Fairl's Country Saloon had its license revoked on April 6.

In other business:

• The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance allowing apartment owners to convert their properties to salable condominiums. In its initial stage, it will allow conversions unless the city's apartment vacancy rate falls below 3.25 percent. In that instance, approval of at least 70 percent of the tenants will be required before a conversion could occur.

• Alan Glover, the city's clerk-recorder, told the supervisors about deadlines surrounding the upcoming primary election, scheduled on Aug. 15. July 15 is the deadline for voter registrations and early voting will be held at the Carson City Court House, 885 E. Musser St., from July 29-Aug. 12.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.