Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Paper Tiger for denying an off-duty officer’s firearm entry, seeking compliance and penalties.
SAN ANTONIO — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against a San Antonio music venue.
The state claims Paper Tiger violated Texas law by denying an off-duty officer entry with their firearms back in January.
The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and a court order forcing the venue along the Saint Mary’s strip to comply going forward.
The owners of Paper Tiger, Empty Stomach LP, face a fine of $1,000.
That’s if the attorney general can prove the business went against a 2017 law that allows peace officers to carry authorized weapons in establishments like theirs.
The lawsuit filed by the attorney general claims that on Jan. 17 of this year, off-duty peace officer Raul Tijerina was not allowed into the Paper Tiger with his weapon.
A weapon, the lawsuit says, that peace officers are authorized to use under the 2017 law enforcement officers’ safety act.
A law states that establishments serving the public cannot prohibit the lawful carrying of an authorized weapon by a peace officer.
The lawsuit goes on to state that San Antonio police officers were called out that night to the Paper Tiger.
When officers explained the law to the establishment – management allegedly “refused to listen.”
In February, the attorney general said they sent a letter to Paper Tiger to allow them to comply with the law.
They go on to allege that management failed to respond within the 15 days given and have not responded to this petition.
A similar case was won by the state in 2024 against another San Antonio establishment: The Lucky Duck.
The AG won that case and ordered the owners to pay the civil fine of $1,000.
We’ve reached out to the Paper Tiger, and they responded with no comment.
We have not heard back from the Attorney General’s Office.