How to handle improperly posted 51% signs, a question of etiquette.

[SigM4]

Just got back from lunch at an establishment near my office. When I pulled up, and while waiting for others to arrive, I noticed that they had a red 51% sign posted in the front windows. Having time to kill I opened the TABC app to check on the validity of it. Turns out the location isn't 51% (this is a chain in the western half of the DFW metroplex, some of their locations are, others aren't).

Anyhow, had lunch with a friend and as we were getting ready to leave the manager-on-duty stopped by to apologize for our order taking so long to come out. I took the opportunity to question her on the validity of the sign and asked why it had been posted. She rattled off that "all their locations are 51%". To this, I replied that actually no, some aren't, and in fact this location was not, so that sign was not to be posted. She quickly asked "Is this about guns?", to which I noted that no, it was about improper signage. She then asked me if "this was something you do often" and I informed her that only when I noticed the wrong sign.

I realize now that the manager-on-duty probably knows very little about the 51% requirement and even the GM might not know much beyond what corporate tells them. However, based on her response and immediate defensiveness I realize that she either knows or even more telling knows that it's been done on purpose. In either case, I went ahead and submitted a comment to the TABC on the improper sign.

So here's my question, I'm very firmly in the camp of "don't poke the bear" when we see improper/wrong 30.06 and other "No guns" signs and have been since getting my license years ago. Why draw attention to the (non)issue and just carry on. What about 51% signs? Up until now I've only reported them to the TABC and have had great success as the TABC agents seem to have a very sincere interest in seeing the proper signage posted. Today it was just an opportunity to discuss it with someone seemingly in charge at the location.

Thoughts?

P.S. - Already submitted the location to http://www.Texas3006.com. I also realize that this may lead them to posting 30.06/30.07 if (when) they have to take down the 51%. However, this is in a location that much of the clientele is very conservative, so I'm guessing this was a strategic decision so as to not to have to post it and drive away any potential customers. Either way the net effect is the same, be it 51% or 30.06.

[bblhd672]

My $0.02 since the manager on duty immediately asked about guns, it sounds like the establishment is trying to get around posting 30.06/.07 signs which may affect their business.
I would pursue TABC action on locations improperly posting the wrong sign. Regardless of whether or not it is deliberate they should have the proper signs posted.

I just downloaded the TABC app, will have to check places when I see red sign. Not that I go to establishments anymore that are primarily bars. None of the places the wife and I frequent show as requiring red 51% sign.

[SigM4]

My $0.02 since the manager on duty immediately asked about guns, it sounds like the establishment is trying to get around posting 30.06/.07 signs which may affect their business.
I would pursue TABC action on locations improperly posting the wrong sign. Regardless of whether or not it is deliberate they should have the proper signs posted.

I just downloaded the TABC app, will have to check places when I see red sign. Not that I go to establishments anymore that are primarily bars. None of the places the wife and I frequent show as requiring red 51% sign.

That was my thought as well.

The beauty of the TABC app, you can submit a complaint/comment directly from the link, even include a picture. It's very slick, almost as slick as the Texas3006.com app.

[rotor]

This is very interesting since I go to a local restaurant in town that has two locations. One is posted with TABC and the other (where we go) is not posted at all and both serve alcohol. I have searched for signs at the one we go to and have checked the website as well and I don't know how they serve alcohol without posting but they do, perhaps thinking that their main location covers it. Not my business and I think the whole 51% thing is stupid anyhow. I did not bring it up with them and I carry.
The other issue which is what you addressed is posting 51% when it should have a blue sign. I would report them to TABC but I would not discuss it with them at all. I also would not carry with a 51% sign present even if it were in error. Try to fight that one. Wow.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thanks for the tip about the TABC app. I didn't know about it until now and it's should be very helpful.

As for incorrectly posted 51% signs, I suspect it's usually a mistake, but not always. I would just report it to TABC and not raise the issue there in case it was intentional.

Chas.

[ELB]

That app is interesting.

But I've discovered that the little dive bar near where I live must have gone out of business very recently, since they don't appear in the app, or there's an error. I'll swear I saw the signs for the bar flashing last night on my way home. Hmmm.

[SigM4]

That app is interesting.

But I've discovered that the little dive bar near where I live must have gone out of business very recently, since they don't appear in the app, or there's an error. I'll swear I saw the signs for the bar flashing last night on my way home. Hmmm.

I've noticed a few places missing from the map. However, if you do a search by name they'll usually pop up, not sure what the issue is.

[mojo84]

In my limited experience, the folks that work at these locations have little to no clue what the signs mean and when they are or not required. They usually get a directive from corporate and just do what they are told. I would just notify TABC and let them handle it as they seem to be extremely responsive.

[skeathley]

RE: TABC app

FYI --
By default, it shows all locations with a liquor license. There is an option in settings to only show 51% locations. For me, more useful that way.

[Pawpaw]

RE: TABC app

FYI --
By default, it shows all locations with a liquor license. There is an option in settings to only show 51% locations. For me, more useful that way.

Nice tip! Thank you.

[Ameer]

If a TABC licensed business posts the wrong signs, I report the violation to TABC and let them handle it.

[C-dub]

I wonder what she would have done if someone asked to see her liquor license and then pointed out to her what it meant where it said "blue."

[oohrah]

I've used the TABC app to post improper signage several times, and all cases I have received personal emails from TABC investigators asking for more information and reporting back that the issue has been resolved. They are very responsive.

[Kkpsiknl]

I agree, thanks for the heads up on the TABC app. I just ran into this issue a few days ago. When I go back next I’ll take a picture and report it.

[seph]

I have reported several business for posting the wrong sign using the TABC app. I never received any responses from TABC staff, but the 51% signs were removed and correct signs posted.