noted, “How the complaint is investigated depends on the nature of the complaint.” He further added, “The use of undercover video is a legal and accepted practice of conducting investigations.”Īfter receiving the undercover agents’ reports, ATC Commissioner Juana Lombard, offered a settlement agreement to Rawhide owner Tom Wood, who declined the offer. When asked about the use of hidden cameras and undercover agents, ATC Deputy Commissioner Ernest P. During their visits to Rawhide, the agents witnessed (and surreptitiously recorded with hidden cameras) multiple sex acts (including oral, anal, and masturbation), hardcore gay pornography on multiple television sets, pup play, and popper use. The agents, whose identities have not been revealed, have a combined 27 years of law enforcement experience. The first visit was for “intelligence gathering.” The subsequent visits were for the purpose of evidence gathering. Two undercover agents were then sent into Rawhide on four separate occasions (Wednesday, September 12 Wednesday, September 26 Friday, October 12 and Friday, October 19). According to ATC records, “The business was not immediately notified on the underage sale due to the ongoing investigation into other allegations.” The bartender did ask the operative for his identification card, but failed to notice he was underage and served him the beer. On October 5, during the compliance check, an underage operative entered the bar and ordered a Bud Light.
The ATC then launched an investigation, which included a compliance check as well as an undercover investigation. Within the ATC, the complaint was referred to the Human Trafficking Task Force. Fri and Sat after 9pm are best times to view.” Male prostitutes solicit (including those that may be minors). There is also a room in the back of the bar in which people engage in obscene and lewd sex acts. “This establishment allows lewd public sex acts, including oral, anal, group sex, and masturbation in clear view of patrons. The complaint against Rawhide, obtained via a public records request, reads as follows: But is this true?Ī careful examination of the evidence demonstrates that the undercover investigations of both bars were not the result of a moral crusade instigated by religious zealots or Puritanical politicians or homophobic crusaders. The common theme of all the headlines is that gay bars are deliberately being targeted. Adding to the confusion have been several superficial articles, riddled with inaccuracies, in the local and national media. For example, one far-fetched theory is that the city would not allow the new Starbucks across the street from the Phoenix to open unless the upstairs bar was closed. And, of course, absurd conspiracy theories abound. Many people have made assumptions that are unfounded and erroneous. While many in our community lament the ending of an era, there has been much misinformation surrounding the crackdowns at Rawhide and Phoenix.
Some are hoping things will eventually return to the way they were before the ATC investigations. Still others are mobilizing to fight back. Others have resigned themselves to the conclusion that the crackdown was probably inevitable. Many in the gay community are outraged by what they perceive as homophobic attacks on safe queer spaces. As most Ambush readers know by now, the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) has cited Rawhide and the Phoenix for numerous violations which have resulted in the cessation of sexual activity in those bars.