TABC Cancels Two Bar Permits Following Joint Investigation

AUSTIN – A joint operation involving the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Travis County Sheriff's Office resulted in the closure of two Austin-area bars following allegations of narcotics, drink solicitation and human trafficking.

TABC on March 8 cancelled the liquor permits of Club Casino, 5500 South Congress and Zota's Night Club, 4700 Burleson Road, following a month-long joint operation with the sheriff's office and federal task force partners.

"This case is the result of outstanding police work on the part of TABC and our partner law enforcement agencies," said TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles. "It also shows just how important it is for victims of human trafficking to make their voices heard. We ask anyone who suspects human trafficking within a TABC-licensed location to contact the agency or the National Human Trafficking Hotline to make an outcry. With the public's help, we can finally end human trafficking in Texas once and for all."

Anyone with information on possible human trafficking may report it to TABC via the TABC: Mobile smartphone app, or by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

As the state's sole regulator of the alcoholic beverage industry, TABC plays a critical role in investigating potential human trafficking taking place within TABC-licensed businesses. The agency continues to work with alcoholic beverage industry leaders to provide training and education intended to alert employees and Texas citizens to the warning signs of human trafficking.

The case remains under investigation. For more information about TABC's efforts to combat human trafficking, visit our Help End Human Trafficking page.

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