The Dallas police working door security at the establishment wanted to DENY entry to some off-duty police that were carrying their weapons. The off-duty police who had tickets for the show were eventually allowed to enter after much discussion. I felt much safer knowing there were police inside the venue because the two uniformed police stayed outside the entire evening.
Personally I’ve never understood why any venue would want the deny off-duty police at their business. It makes any venue a SAFER place with more police. Isn’t that why the establishment hired uniform officers for in the first place?
I’ve included the following for any other off-duty officers that get the same treatment at similar venues in THE STATE OF TEXAS.
Art. 2.1305. CARRYING WEAPON ON CERTAIN PREMISES. (a) An establishment serving the public may not prohibit or otherwise restrict a peace officer or special investigator from carrying on the establishment's premises a weapon that the peace officer or special investigator is otherwise authorized to carry, regardless of whether the peace officer or special investigator is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer's or investigator's duties while carrying the weapon.
(b) For purposes of this article:
(1) "Establishment serving the public" means:
(A) a hotel, motel, or other place of lodging;
(B) a restaurant or other place where food is offered for sale to the public;
(C) a retail business or other commercial establishment or an office building to which the general public is invited;
(D) a sports venue; and
(E) any other place of public accommodation, amusement, convenience, or resort to which the general public or any classification of persons from the general public is regularly, normally, or customarily invited.
(2) "Sports venue" means an arena, coliseum, stadium, or other type of area or facility that is primarily used or is planned for primary use for one or more professional or amateur sports or athletics events and for which a fee is charged or is planned to be charged for admission to the sports or athletics events, other than occasional civic, charitable, or promotional events.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 124 (H.B. 873), Sec. 1, eff....
Read moreI recently had a horrible experience at Gilley's Dallas. My wife is disabled and uses a wheelchair to get around. She called several months in advance to confirm that the venue was accessible and that she would be able to see during the concert we attended. They told her not to worry and that everything was accessible, and to find a staff member when she got there the day of the show. We even bought $200 VIP tickets so we would be able to be in the front without feeling guilty.
On the day of the show, the venue said it was the event organizer's job to create an ADA section. The event organizers said it was the venue's job. Nobody knew what to do. They refused to block off a section for her and the other wheelchair users who were attending (there were at least two other wheelchair users, one woman with a walker, and one man with prosthetic legs who needed to sit). They weren't even going to let us in first so we could get to a safe space until she complained.
Normally at a standing room only show, venues will block off an accessible seating area near the stage but off to the side. Gilley's did not do this. They told my wife to go sit against the wall by a trash can, because "if you are far away you will be able to see above people's heads." That did not work, because people were crowding us trying to get close to the stage. They kept touching her wheelchair, and she didn't feel safe, so we were forced to move all the way to the back of the venue behind EVERYONE else (including the people who bought GA tickets). She was unable to see anything at all for the entire concert, and was nearly in tears by the time that we left.
I will NEVER go back to this venue again. They need to make some serious changes in how they treat disabled guests. They claim the venue is fully accessible....and while that may technically be true....access without equity isn't true...
Read moreMy recent visit to Gilley's Dallas left me thoroughly impressed, and I'm excited to share my five-star review for this iconic venue. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a fantastic time.
Gilley's offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere that captures the spirit of Dallas. The blend of rustic charm and modern amenities creates a welcoming environment that's perfect for a night out or special event.
The live entertainment at Gilley's is truly exceptional. The talent on display, whether it's musicians or performers, adds an energetic and lively vibe that's hard to match. The stage and sound setup ensure that every show is a memorable experience.
The variety of offerings at Gilley's is another standout feature. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply relax with a drink, there's something for everyone. The range of options makes it a versatile destination that caters to different preferences.
The staff at Gilley's deserves a special mention. Their friendliness, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring a great time for every guest contribute significantly to the overall experience. Their attentiveness and helpfulness didn't go unnoticed.
Parking and accessibility are also convenient, making it easy to enjoy all that Gilley's has to offer without any hassle.
Whether you're a local or a visitor to Dallas, Gilley's is a must-visit destination that captures the city's vibrant spirit. From the lively entertainment to the welcoming atmosphere, it's a place where you can create lasting memories. I highly recommend Gilley's Dallas and give it a well-deserved...
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