TABC Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   December 21, 2012

TABC arrests two for bootlegging at Hookah Lounge in San Angelo.

San Angelo-- An investigation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) in San Angelo uncovered that the owner and the employees of Mama's Hookah Lounge, located at 1618 South Chadbourne in San Angelo, were selling and possessing alcoholic beverages in violation of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (bootlegging). The lounge owner, Roberto M. Torres, was previously informed by Agents of TABC that such sales were illegal.

An investigation was opened and a review of San Angelo Police Department records revealed that several fights, shots-fired incidents and alcohol-related criminal violations were taking place in and around Mama's Hookah Lounge when the Lounge was the only business open in the immediate area. On December 16, 2012, an investigation was conducted at Mama's Hookah Lounge in an attempt to address some of the issues the San Angelo Police Department was having with the establishment. The investigation showed various brands of alcoholic beverages were being sold at the lounge, in violation of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. TABC Agents obtained a search warrant for Mama's Hookah Lounge that allowed for a search of the Lounge for alcoholic beverages being sold and/or possessed in violation of state law. While Agents were in-route to serve the search warrant, a "fight in progress" call came in to the San Angelo Police Department from the Lounge. However, the actors in the fight had dispersed prior to Agents' arrival. The investigation concluded with Roberto M. Torres, a 31 year old male, being arrested for possession of Illicit Beverage and Guadalupe N. Lopez, a 25 year old male, being arrested for selling alcoholic beverages without a permit or license. Also, various brands of alcoholic beverages were seized.

The violations are considered a misdemeanor under state law. If convicted, the suspects could receive confinement in county jail for up to one year and/or a fine of between one hundred and one thousand dollars.

Contact - Captain Mark Menn for more information (806) 793-3221 Ext. 2903