Nearly 20 arrested in liquor law violation crackdown

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Nearly 20 people are under arrest, accused of violating state liquor laws in a city-wide bust aimed at keeping intoxicated drivers off the roads.

A newly formed team made up of numerous law enforcement agencies in Houston arrested 18 suspects during a six-week initiative targeting businesses with a history of violating liquor laws.

At a news conference at Houston Police headquarters, members of the newly formed "Le Vice Working Group" announced the arrests of employees from a number of bars and nightclubs visited during the investigation.

MUG SHOTS OF THOSE ARRESTED DURING BUST

The operation, dubbed "The TABC Liquor Violations Initiative," focused on enforcing liquor laws to promote responsible liquor operations and help deter reckless alcohol-related incidents in Houston and Harris County, which leads the nation in alcohol-related traffic fatalities.

From May 16 thru June 30, officers visited dozens of businesses, most of them bars and nightclubs, to make sure the establishments were in compliance with state liquor laws.

"By informing the media and the public of this initiative, we are encouraging all business owners who sell alcohol or allow alcohol on their premises to abide by state laws," said Dan Harris, Captain of the HPD Vice Division. "Our street officers can't do it alone in terms of keeping drunk drivers off our roadways. We need enforcement efforts to extend to businesses selling alcohol so we can help keep intoxicated individuals from operating motor vehicles."

Officials announced this is the first operation of the "Le Vice Working Group." The group includes the:

Houston Police Department Vice Division

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Harris County Sheriff's Office

Harris County Precinct Constable Offices

Harris County District Attorney's Office

Texas Department of Public Safety

Harris County Attorney's Office

City of Houston Legal Department

The group will focus on future long-term initiatives enforcing tobacco laws, prostitution and human trafficking and illegal gambling.