Nashville Standard

Dallas Barrett, the man whose death inspired “Dallas's Law,” which requires training for security guards, was himself untrained, sources tell Nashville Standard. 

Barrett was an unarmed guard at the Tin Roof Bar, according to those in the know. A search of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance license verification system turned up no records for Barrett indicating he was unlicensed himself. 

“We keep records of all employers, of all security guards who have licenses," Kevin Walters, director of Communications, told Nashville Standard.

Walters noted the department had not commented on the legislation awaiting action by Gov. Bill Lee. 

“With regards to the law that's going to speak for itself," he said. "The new Dallas's Law — anything about that — that's going to be where it is that you'll need, I would refer you to the legislation.” 

Barrett, 22, died after getting into a fight and being held down by six security guards in August of 2021, News Channel 5 reported. Those security officers have been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated assault. The guards were unlicensed, promoting the law which requires training and licensing for bouncers.

Dallas's Law mandates training for security guards. Attorney Kevin Teets Jr. told News Channel 5 in Nashville that the bill was a costly overreach prompted by a single incident. 

"This bill places a price tag of nearly $27 million on businesses operating in the hospitality services and food and beverages industries across the state of Tennessee, to businesses of all sizes, many of whom have struggled enough financially," Teets said in an email. 

The Canvas Lounge’s Seth Thomas asked Lee to veto the bill, noting it “would absolutely devastate us.” 

"After us coming out of the pandemic, a lot of us are still recovering," Thomas told News Channel 5.

Non-compliant bars have been threatened with a 30-day alcohol license suspension if they do not follow the law, according to Fox 17. Those penalties would be brought down by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Lee’s office said it would review the legislation before making a determination on what to do.