Texas bar hit with multiple charges after human trafficking investigation

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A bar in South Texas surrendered its liquor license earlier this month after a human trafficking investigation netted multiple charges against the business by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

The owner of El Rio Bar, located in Mission, in the Rio Grande Valley, agreed to give up its license after an August 9 meeting with TABC's Special Investigation Unit, according to a news release. TABC declined to identify the owner of the business citing an ongoing criminal investigation, the Brownsville Herald reported, and records of ownership were not immediately available.

According to TABC, the licensing authority opened an investigation into the Hidalgo County business in 2020 after receiving reports of alleged organized crime. Agents reportedly seized narcotics and saw employees engaging in drink solicitation, which happens when employees try to solicit drinks from a customer. TABC also reported agents also referred “several potential human trafficking victims to non-governmental organizations for victim services.”

El Rio Bar was charged by TABC with multiple violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Code including prostitution, sales of narcotics by employees, and drink solicitation. It is not immediately clear if the unidentified owner will face criminal charges.

“By removing this bar's ability to sell alcohol, TABC agents have cut off a major source of funding for criminal activity in the Mission community,” said TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham in the release. “Not only does this keep the community safer, but it also makes it easier for businesses who follow the law to operate successfully. I'm proud of the hard work of our investigators, and I'd like to thank the members of the Mission community who stepped up and assisted with this case.”

El Rio Bar is located at 3609 La Homa Road, Mission, TX 78574.