TABC Investigating Luke Bryan’s Bar After Reports Of Overserving Riley Strain
on Mar 13, 2024
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is currently investigating whether Riley Strain, a college student who is presently missing, might have been served too much alcohol at Luke Bryan’s Broadway bar in Nashville.
The organization is examining whether the bar was accountable for ensuring that overly intoxicated customers were taken care of.
“There are no specific rules or statutes that governs escorting out intoxicated patrons from their businesses or providing assistance in getting someone home,” TABC Communications Director Aaron Rummage expressed in a written statement.
“However, state law prohibits serving alcoholic beverages to someone who is visibly intoxicated. A violation is a class A misdemeanor. The TABC has opened an investigation into this matter to see if any violations have occurred.”
Security Footage Released
Security footage captured Strain wandering downtown Nashville after he was kicked out of Luke Bryan’s bar on Friday night. He remains missing.
22-year-old Riley Strain was reported missing on Saturday, March 9, the day after he was last seen leaving Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville.
The Metro Nashville Police Department reported that Strain and a group of his fraternity brothers traveled from Missouri to Nashville for their spring formal event. His friends’ last sighting of him was around 10 p.m. as he left the bar.
The Metro Nashville Police and downtown establishments have released video capturing Riley Strain’s final whereabouts. In the footage, Strain appears disoriented, stumbling as he traverses downtown Nashville.
See a clip of the security footage below.
Riley’s friends made efforts to locate him but were unsuccessful. They also attempted to contact him via phone, but all calls went unanswered and were directed to voicemail.
WSMV4 obtained a 911 call revealing that someone reported Strain’s disappearance to dispatch at 1:40 p.m. on Saturday. This call followed attempts by friends to report him missing at both a police precinct and the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.
Message From Loved Ones
Strain’s father and stepmother, Ryan and Millie Gilbert, along with his mother and stepfather, Chris and Michelle Whiteid, sat down for an emotional interview with News Nation.
During the interview, his parents conveyed a heartfelt message to Riley, expressing their love and determination to find him. “I love you so much. We’re trying so hard to find you,” Riley’s mom said tearfully. His dad added, “We want you to know that we’re not giving up on you. We’re here waiting on you.”
When asked if they knew why Riley had been removed from the bar, Whiteid stated that they had spoken to the bartender, who indicated that Riley had been “overserved.”
He further explained, “When they took [Riley] out, his friend was trying to go out with him, but they would not let him at that point.”
Watch the interview below.
RELATED: Riley Strain’s Family Shares New Details About Mizzou Student’s Disappearance
Luke Bryan’s Response
Luke Bryan addressed Riley Strain’s disappearance on Tuesday, March 12. The singer shared a statement from 32 Bridge on his Instagram Story. The message was:
“TC Restaurant Group, operator and owner of Luke’s 32 Bridge is continuing to work closely with the Metro Nashville Police Department to provide security camera footage and any other potentially helpful information to aid in the search for Riley Strain. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones for his safe return.”
Luke Bryan added a personal note, expressing, “Y’all, this is scary. Praying for his safe return.”
Local authorities are advising Nashville residents and visitors to keep an eye out for Strain, described as 6 feet 6 inches tall, with a slim build, blue eyes, and brown hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was dressed in a black and white button-up shirt, blue jeans, brown boots, and wore a black Apple watch.
If you have any information about Riley Strain’s whereabouts, please contact the police at 615-862-8600.
