TABC shuts down six El Paso bars, employees allegedly engaged in drug trafficking
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s Special Investigations Unit announced Friday it canceled the permits for six central El Paso bars following a long-term investigation that “revealed bar employees engaged in narcotics trafficking.”
The affected bars are:
Player’s Billiard Parlor at 4024 Dyer Street Horizon Nite Club at 3808 Pershing Drive Rumors Sports Club and Lounge at 3317 Dyer Street Brass Asp Bar at 6201 Airport Road Twinz Lounge at 6203 Airport Road Mobius Bar 915 at 6269 Airport Road
More than 80 administrative violations were filed against the bars by TABC investigators, officials said.
The employees are acused of selling and delivering drugs and violating “drug-free zones,” defined by the Texas Health and Safety Code meant to aid in deterring the presence of drugs and weapons in locations where young people congregate, such as schools.
Officials said eight of the 17 suspects were arrested on felony charges of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance.” Officials said the Texas Health and Safety Code allows for heavier penalties for convictions related to narcotics and weapons offenses occurring within 1,000 feet of a drug-free zone.
“TABC considers any offense of narcotic sales very serious; and when you add in these locations are within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare or playground it certainly increases the urgency to take swift and decisive corrective action” said Capt. Ron Swenson of TABC’s Special Investigations Unit. “Several of these locations are in close proximity to each other and we are confident that the closure of these establishments will have a positive impact on the surrounding community.”
Anyone with a complaint about illegal activity occurring in a TABC Licensed location should contact their local TABC office which can be reached by dialing 1-888-THE-TABC. In El Paso, call 915-351-3697.
