RALEIGH – North Carolina’s Alcohol Law Enforcement agency is conducting a statewide operation to deter violence that has been occurring at nightclubs, bars and restaurants across the state, both licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and unlicensed.

Seven fatal shootings have occurred at several locations during November. Three people were shot to death at a suspected illegal bar in LaGrange Nov. 12. Three people were shot Nov. 18 at a suspected illegal bar in Goldsboro and two died from their injuries. Five people were shot at Diamondz Gentlemans Club in Fayetteville Nov. 11 and the owner of the business died. One person was shot at an illegal bar in Goldsboro Oct. 11 and later died. Three people were injured Nov. 19 after a shooting and a fight that occurred at the Red Bowl Asian Bistro in Raleigh.

The ABC permits at Red Bowl Asian Bistro and Diamondz Gentelmans Club have been subsequently surrendered.

“Every available ALE special agent in the state will be participating in this special statewide operation with one goal in mind: To keep our citizens safe.” said Terrance Merriweather, head of ALE.  “One of the highest priorities of ALE is to prevent and address violence and other criminal activity at places where alcohol is sold. Our agents, working in partnership with sheriffs and police chiefs, will be out all night enforcing laws in and around these locations.”

ALE’s 109 specially trained agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action for any criminal offense. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control laws and state lottery laws. ALE is a branch of the State Bureau of Investigation.

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Contact:  Patty McQuillan
Phone:  919-369-0732