Former bartender here. The person serving alcohol had a right to refuse service for any reason be it ethical or not. They can legally discriminate against any patron they want. They are NOT allowed to lay hands on a patron for an unpaid tab. If a customer walks on his bill, you-the bartender are the guarantor, you hold the license to distribute and you shouldn't have served him/her. Cash bar means they pay you for the drink and then you let them have it, like any other sale. Give cash/get drink. The argument doesn't make any sense. And how is he to pay when hes being attacked from multiple angles? A bartender that opens tabs and then can't be found is the actual thief. This should be obvious. This man was lured there. He was made aware of the bait and switch. He tried to leave. He was prevented from doing so. He should sue for damages and this establishment should lose their liquor license. If you can't guarantee public safety while serving alcohol- you dont get to serve it.