Los Angeles

East LA Bar Is Base for Gangs, Drugs: City Attorney

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said Thursday he is taking legal steps to halt alleged criminal activity centered around a bar in East Los Angeles.

Feuer is requesting legal injunctions that include having a court-appointed receiver take over management of the El Troquero Bar at 2119 E. Cesar Chavez Ave.

City attorneys allege the bar is frequented by gang members, and employees use the bar as a base for selling cocaine and methamphetamine.

The bar has been the site of at least two shootings, including 2014 gunfire that took place outside and resulted in the death of one person.

City attorneys also allege employees get a commission for selling alcohol to patrons, and that alcohol is being sold to customers who are clearly intoxicated.

Feuer said he is going after the bar because one property can often "erode public safety and the quality of life for an entire neighborhood."

"Every business and property owner has a responsibility to the community," he said. "My office will continue to hold accountable those whom we allege flout the law or facilitate illicit illegal activity."

The lawsuit was filed against the bar's owner, the property owner, as well as several employees. In addition to the receivership, Feuer also is requesting extra security features at the property, and for orders preventing the employees named in the lawsuit from getting within 1,000 feet of the bar.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
Contact Us