Picayune? Or a patron with pull?

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- An Almeda Road cigar bar is open and has been serving cocktails since 2010 without an occupancy permit and out of compliance with key city codes, according to city emails and inspection records show.

It's owned by Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, who has well-connected friends at Houston City Hall.

Mayor Annise Parker's spokeswoman Janice Evans didn't think much of ABC-13's questions about questions about the bar.

"I've had a little difficulty with the premise of where you're going," Evans told ABC-13, calling the questions "picayune."

Documents show, though, no fewer than 17 city officials, including the mayor herself, weighing in on how to respond to ABC-13's questions.

Decide for yourself. And tune in at 10 pm at ABC-13 to see the full investigation.