Inside a bar is considered a public place. If members of the public are allowed to go into an area, government representatives have the right to go into the area. For example, when I do fire code inspections, I have the legal right to enter, observe and cite any code violations in areas normally open to the public. I cannot enter the storage or office areas without the permission of the owner, though, without a warrant. On a practical basis, owners will not refuse permission. If they did, I would get a warrant. Judges will issue warrants for the purpose of fire inspection.
Additionally, selling liquor is not a "right" but a licensed activity, subject to regulation by the state. In order to get a permit to sell liquor, you must agree to abide by certain provisions. The entry of the TACB officers into the bar is not a constitutional issue (boy I'm going to get flamed for that). The issue is the absurdist way in which the law is being enforced.
228 posted on
03/23/2006 9:20:25 AM PST by
CSM
(Lick a finger, politicize the wind, and place the finger into the wind. - EGPWS, 1/26/2006)