A Charlotte bar has temporarily lost its liquor license after state investigators say that drunken patrons kept police from aiding a gunshot victim and assaulted an officer.
The North Carolina Division of Alcohol Enforcement said Saturday in a press release that since March 26, police have twice responded to gunshot calls at The Press Box Bar and Grille.
The agency said the crowds at the bar were drunk and uncooperative. After an April 9 shooting, the agency said seven officers had to move patrons away from the wounded man so medics could treat him. An officer trying to control the crowd was punched in the face.
News outlets report that the bar's security told police to “back off” and they would handle the situation themselves.
The bar did not respond to a call and email seeking comment Saturday on the suspension of its liquor license.