The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission's policy of putting undercover officers in bars went under the microscope at the State Capitol Monday.
State Senate and House committees held a public hearing on recent sting operations.
The TABC defended their crackdown during the hearing.
"We've got a serious problem in Texas with alcohol-related traffic fatalities. We've got to do something about that. We're not going after people who are just having a good time in a bar. We're going after the people who are intoxicated to the point that they are a danger to themselves or others," John Steen of the TABC said.
A March sting near Dallas led to heavy criticism that law enforcement was going to far. In that raid undercover agents went to 36 bars and arrested around 30 people.
"I was arrested but I had no keys or intention of driving. My wife was with me, I told them. The TABC clearly says their program is to protect citizens. I'm a responsible individual. I don't need the TABC," Travis Colby said.
"If people are drunk in the bar, it's the responsibility of the establishment to take control. Not for the government to put down cans and pull people out," bar manager Patrick Zollo said.
The program was suspended last week after heavy public criticism. The TABC will continue the program once it re-evaluates how officers enforce public intoxication laws.
