Bars

From Behind Bars to Lead Plaintiff: Virginia Man Sues Over Extended Sentence Despite New Early Release Law

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Richmond, VA – After a grueling 11 years behind bars for attempted robbery and firearms use, Leslie Puryear anticipated his freedom, bolstered by a Virginia law designed to reduce prison sentences for exemplary conduct and rehabilitation efforts. As part of a 2020 criminal justice reform borne out of nationwide calls for a more equitable system, Puryear had qualified for early release, only to find his dreams dashed when corrections officials recalculated his sentence, adding three more years to his time in prison. Initially encouraged by the reforms, which promised a significant decrease of his 18-year … Read more

San Diego Nightclubs and Bars Introduce Mandatory Drug Testing Kits to Combat Drink Spiking

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San Diego, California – A significant move to bolster safety in nightlife venues is set to take place in San Francisco starting Monday, with San Diego County bars and nightclubs soon to offer patrons drug testing kits. This initiative, spurred by a new state law, targets the unsettling concern of drink spiking—an act often linked to sexual assaults. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has mandated that all establishments holding a Type 48 license, which permits the service of alcohol without food to customers over 21, equip themselves with these testing devices. The … Read more

Cheers to Change: Indiana Bars Set to Revive Happy Hour Specials Under New Law

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INDIANAPOLIS — Starting July 1, bars in Indiana will be allowed to reintroduce happy hours, offering drink specials for limited hours each week, following the lifting of a longstanding restriction. This change comes as part of a new law signed by Governor Eric Holcomb in March after receiving significant bipartisan support during the last legislative session. The reinstated provision permits bars across the state to offer discounted drinks for up to four hours a day and a total of 15 hours per week, though specials are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. This … Read more

Gary Man Faces Decades Behind Bars for Fatal Shooting at 5th Avenue Gas Station

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GARY, Ind. – A Gary man was found guilty on Wednesday for a fatal shooting at a gas station on 5th Avenue. Aaron Sawyer, 26, now faces a sentence of 45 to 65 years for the murder. Additionally, he is looking at another seven years for a firearms enhancement, according to his attorney, John Cantrell. The exact date for his sentencing has yet to be determined. Sawyer, identified as the gunman, was charged in connection with the shooting death of Dorell Townsend, 22, who was also from Gary, on May 31, 2020. Terry Horton, Sawyer’s … Read more