ABC officials wrap up investigation into whether restaurant will
be punished after agents were attacked
Gilroy – Two months after three undercover California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control agents were jumped by four men at Happy Dog Pizza, the investigation determining whether the restaurant will be punished is nearing closure, ABC officials said.
“We want to do a thorough analysis,” said ABC District Administrator Karyn Nielsen. “There were quite a few people to interview. The investigation hasn’t quite wrapped up yet, but I assume it will really soon.”
In the early morning hours of Feb. 11, three ABC agents performing a sweep of Happy Dog were beaten by four men after they detained two underage females at the bar, police said.
Gilroy residents Joel Gaeta, 24, George Castro, 26, Juan Perez, 21, and Hollister resident Gilbert Garcia, were arrested on suspicion of attacking the three agents.
Gaeta is accused of yelling “undercover in the house,” when the ABC agents arrived and instigating the fight by choking one ABC agent who was talking to the two females. As the two other ABC agents came to his aid, the Castro, Perez and Garcia jumped in, police said.
Once the investigation is complete, ABC officials will meet with owner Steve Gearing to review the findings and may issue a citation, which may include a fine or revocation of the liquor license.
Gilroy police requested ABC agents perform an undercover sweep after hearing reports that both Krazy Koyote and Happy Dog were serving underage patrons, police said.
According to a former employee who asked to remain anonymous, Gaeta worked at Happy Dog as a DJ before the incident. He recalled several instances where managers at Happy Dog knowingly allowed underage patrons to be served alcohol.
According to the source, who said he was fired from the establishment after disagreeing with the management, the parents of a teen brought in her photograph to Happy Dog managers saying that she was underage and not allowed to drink there.
“The next thing you know she’s there and getting served,” he said.
Another time, a group of teens with a private party in the restaurant were kicked out for trying to purchase alcohol, but were later let into the building by managers.
“One of the managers completely OK’d it and arranged to have a six-pack of Corona delivered to their table after I said no,” he said.
Several calls to Gearing were not immediately returned to the Dispatch Monday.
In the past, Gearing has said that multiple security guards work to keep underage patrons downstairs away from the bar.
Prior to the incident, the restaurant and bar had recently started 18-to-21-plus Friday nights that would allow minors to dance and listen to live music downstairs while clientele of age could drink upstairs.
Since the incident, police said there have not been any reported problems at Happy Dog.
“Things have been fairly quiet out there,” said Cpl. Justin Matsuhara. “We haven’t had any calls for service.”
Sgt. Dan Castaneda meets with bar and restaurant owners with liquor licenses to discuss proper practices. He met with Gearing prior to the 18-to-21 nights and said that he complied with all requirements to start such a night.
After the Feb. 11 incident, Gearing was debating whether to continue the under-21 nights.
“The last time that I spoke with Steve, I didn’t think he was going to go that route,” Castaneda said.
