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May 25, 2018

TABC Cancels Permit of El Paso Bar Linked to Multiple Incidents

EL PASO – The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has cancelled the liquor license of an El Paso bar linked to a number of violent incidents including shootings and other disturbances.

The license for El Tejanito, located at 1613-17 Montana Avenue, has been cancelled following a TABC investigation which uncovered a history of bar employees failing to report the disturbances. The bar also operated under a second name, Barcode, on certain nights. TABC agents became aware of several incidents involving weapons and shootings at the bar while it operated as Barcode during April 2018. The bar had already received a warning for failing to report disturbances in mid-March.

"Reporting fights and other disturbances is an important responsibility of all permittees," said Major Ron Swenson of TABC's Special Investigations Unit. "Not only is it a requirement of state law, it helps TABC identify areas where the public may be put in danger due to a bar's practices or policies."

The TABC investigation also uncovered evidence that the business owner made false or misleading statements on their original liquor license application, which is also a violation of the Alcoholic Beverage Code. As the state's alcohol regulation authority, TABC is charged with ensuring that all alcohol retailers take steps to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. The agency regularly investigates businesses with suspected ties to organized criminal activity such as narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering.

The El Paso investigation was a collaborative effort between multiple TABC divisions and outside law enforcement agencies, Swenson said.

"This investigation involved officials from TABC's Law Enforcement and Audit divisions as well as the Special Investigations Unit," Swenson said. "We're also grateful for assistance from the El Paso Police Department, the FBI, and the Texas Anti-Gang Center. This joint effort has put a stop to violent incidents at this location and will help ensure public safety for the surrounding area."

For more information about the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, visit www.tabc.texas.gov

Contact:
Chris Porter
TABC Public Information Officer
(512) 206-3462