Owners to keep operating T's Tavern

T's Tavern, where one of the owners is accused of shooting at a customer, can continue operating and serving alcohol to their customers - with some conditions.

Owners David and Talea Morgan told the city's liquor board Thursday they have reached an agreement with the district attorney allowing them to keep the business, at 3679 S. Carson St., going until they can sell it.

"You were this close," Mayor Marv Teixeira said to the Morgans as he gestured with his thumb and index finger referring to the potential revocation of their license.

Talea Morgan still faces a gross misdemeanor charge after allegedly firing at a patron numerous times on Feb. 6. No one was injured. She is scheduled to appear in district court in Juner.

The Sheriff's Department had recommended the license be revoked because of the firearm discharge as well as an employee being cited in April for serving a drink to a minor and an investigation by the state that they had purchased alcohol from a non-licensed wholesaler.

Among stipulations agreed upon Thursday: Talea can't tend bar or serve liquor, though she can approach the bar area to pick up receipts, clean and take inventory.

No weapons will be allowed in the bar. Managers and employees must call police to handle problem customers and not do so themselves.

Other conditions include: Shorter operating hours; improved verification of customers' ages to ensure all are at least 21 years old; and for employees to undergo an upcoming sheriff's department training program on serving alcohol.

If there are any violations of the agreement - or of pertinent local and state laws - the Morgans could be subject to a hearing and possibly lose their license.

There is a promissory note signed by the potential new owner, and that person must receive his own liquor license from the city before taking possession of the bar.

The owners of Fairls Country Saloon lost their liquor license earlier this year. The bar has since been changed to the alcohol-free Antigua Teen Club.

The supervisors and Sheriff Ken Furlong comprise the city's Entertainment and Liquor Board.

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