Fort Worth protesting West 7th bar Varsity Tavern’s application for new liquor license
Fort Worth is filing a protest with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission over Crockett Row nightclub and sports bar Varsity Tavern’s application for a new liquor license..
Speaking at a District 9 candidate forum Wednesday, incumbent city council member Elizabeth Beck said the city was protesting the bar’s application to, “keep those bad partners out of Fort Worth.”
“This protest is brought based on the belief that issuance of this permit will inure the general welfare, health, peace, morals, and safety of the people who reside in the community,” Beck wrote in the city’s protest of Varsity’s application.
Bar owner James Hoffman said he wasn’t aware of any moves by the city when reached for comment, Wednesday.
“Nope, no idea man. Thanks for the call,” he said before hanging up.
The bar appeared to close down in January, but filed for a name change permit with the city in February.
The new bar will be called Tequila Ranch although it’s not clear how it will differ from its previous iteration. A back and forth on the city’s permitting website shows the new concept will have a modified bar and possibly a stairwell near the DJ booth.
The ownership is applying for three TABC licenses for the new Tequila Ranch - one to serve mixed beverages, one to serve food and beverages, and one to be serve alcohol after midnight.
Varsity Tavern, which opened in 2016, has been fined multiple times for selling alcohol to minors and intoxicated persons, according to TABC records.
The bar’s original license is slated to expire Oct. 28, 2023.
This story was originally published April 19, 2023 at 7:47 PM.
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