TABC Cancels San Antonio Club's Liquor Permit Following Charges of Human Trafficking

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has cancelled the liquor permit of a San Antonio gentleman's club following charges of human trafficking.

Blush Show Club and Restaurant, 2525 NE Loop 410 in San Antonio, may no longer sell alcohol on its premises following the commission's April 25 order. The club was the subject of a joint investigation by TABC, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, the Department of Public Safety, the Bexar County Fire Marshall, Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Anti-Gang Task Force following allegations that the bar allowed a juvenile female to work as an exotic dancer. The female was forced to work at the club by suspected human trafficker Eric Taylor, who was arrested by BCSO in November 2018.

Taylor's arrest came after it was discovered he had harbored a 16-year-old female runaway and forced her to work at several Central Texas sexually oriented businesses, including Blush. The arrest prompted TABC and BCSO investigators to examine whether any of the clubs were aware of the suspected human trafficking, and whether they were aware of the runaway's underage status.

Following the investigation, TABC agents met with representatives from Blush who agreed to cancel the club's liquor permit permanently for human trafficking, employment harmful to a child and narcotics sales.

"This case is a perfect example of why TABC is involved in the fight against human trafficking," said TABC Chairman Kevin Lilly. "I urge any TABC-licensed business which would even think about allowing this type of activity to carefully consider the consequences of their actions. We're very grateful for the hard work of our partners with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office who were instrumental in shutting this illegal activity down."

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said his department will continue its work in support of the victims of human trafficking.

"We are proud to have partnered with TABC, the Bexar County Fire Marshall's Office, DPS, HSI and others on this case," Salazar said. "The hard work of BCSO investigators and our partners resulted in the rescue of a juvenile who was being trafficked. Those who target and victimize our children, from the predators who lure and groom them, to the businesses who profit from them, are all equally culpable. Our community is safer because of the closing down of this establishment."

As the state's alcohol regulatory authority, TABC takes the lead on any investigations of serious crimes, including human trafficking, at licensed businesses such as bars, convenience stores, and nightclubs. The agency partners with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate suspected trafficking and is a member of multiple anti-human trafficking task forces.

To learn more about TABC's role in combating human trafficking, visit our Human Trafficking page. The case remains under investigation.

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