Dallas’ controversial OT Tavern agrees to close amid complaints from businesses, residents

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Homicides, aggravated assaults, and even rape have all been linked to a Dallas bar on Greenville Avenue that town has been making an attempt to close down. 

Now the proprietor has agreed to shut, bringing a sigh of aid to a number of surrounding enterprise homeowners and residents who’ve filed quite a few complaints. 

The proprietor of OT Tavern mentioned he needs to depart quietly and declined an interview about why he’s closing for good after this coming Monday night time. 

However he is dealing with a nuisance lawsuit from town, filed earlier than a string of violent incidents which have occurred as not too long ago as final month. 

Cooper Smith lives and works near The OT Tavern, which has operated on the nook of Greenville and Martel Avenue for 16 years. 

The 29-year-old helps the bar regardless of being a witness to the violence surrounding it.

“One of many instances there was a taking pictures, and I used to be simply throughout the road strolling the canine,” Smith recalled.

In March, the bar drew undesirable consideration when Dallas police mentioned a confrontation inside led to the dying of Cameron Ray, who was shot and killed exterior from a automobile a Dallas Cowboys participant was a passenger in. 

One other taking pictures final month added to the record of crimes, which incorporates sexual and aggravated assaults. 

The proprietor mentioned he has agreed to shut completely after the July 4th vacation, however off digital camera accuses town of bullying him. 

A lawsuit filed by town two weeks in the past calls the bar a severe hazard to the neighborhood.  

However frequent patrons of The OT Tavern say they benefit from the theme nights that draw huge crowds, together with an SMU Evening through the week. “It is an ideal spot. We have been going since we had been 21 years outdated. We’re unhappy to see you go,” mentioned patron Griffin Perotti.

Close by householders mentioned off digital camera that trash and parking in entrance of their properties is uncontrolled regardless of the bar’s recognition with younger folks. 

“It is simply acquired little vibe to it. We sort of come right here with our buddies each time we come again on the town,” mentioned John Jones. 

“It is actually unlucky to be sincere. Folks inside cannot management what goes on exterior of the car parking zone. So far as confrontations, they do their greatest, however generally issues occur,” Smith mirrored.

The neighborhood has its sights on a membership subsequent door as the subsequent goal to go, however it’s planning to stay open for the foreseeable future.