FC: Virginia police raid bars, force people to take sobriety tests

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

[If what is alleged is true, this is simply thuggish behavior on the part 
of Fairfax County police and the Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage 
Control. --Declan]



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24635-2003Jan7.html

   [...]

   At Champps in Reston, general manager Kevin O'Hare described police as
   "antagonistic." He said they "pulled" people from their chairs who
   were making no commotion. "They're always welcome to come in anytime,"
   he said of police. "It's not an issue when they talk to our guests.
   But when they actually pull people out of their seats, it is an issue.
   When it's borderline harassment, it's an issue."

   One man who was arrested during one of the police raids acknowledged
   having several drinks during the course of the afternoon, but said he

   was not driving or acting unruly as he sat at a table with several
   work colleagues. He had just finished singing "Jingle Bell Rock" on
   the karaoke machine when an officer asked him to step outside. He
   failed a breath test and was taken in a van to jail.

   "I've lived my life with tremendous respect for the rule of law," said
   the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is contesting
   the charges.

   Now his respect is tarnished.

   [...]




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