Investigators Conduct El Paso Bar Sweeps
A round of bar sweeps in El Paso is sending a strong message to bar owners that authorities are keeping a close eye on them. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Lt. Sal Moralez told ABC-7 the sweep, which was spearheaded by the El Paso Police Department, looked into violations of those with licenses to sell alcohol.
Among some of the violations found during the five-day sweep were: minors drinking and being served, the sell of more alcohol to an intoxicated patron, a bar employee working drunk, and generel safey violations pertaining to fights and gang activity.
Lt. Moralez said, ” I think we have a lot of work ahead of us, and I think we have to take it one step at a time.”
In total, six bars across El Paso were targeted. Among those hit by the sweep were Hemingway’s in the Cincinatti entertainment district, Ranas and Dallas Nights on the Eastside, and Tequila Frog’s in South El Paso.
ABC-7 visited four of the bars that were swept by officials, but none of the owners or bar managers we spoke to wanted to talk about the sweep.
In total, nearly 60 officers from federal and local agencies participated in the five-day operation. An El Paso Police spokesman said throughout the span of the sweep 87 people were arrested clearing 214 warrants.
