Houston, Texas – HOUSTON – Two after-hours bars in southeast Houston were shut down overnight in a coordinated raid by multiple law enforcement agencies.
The operation took place in a shopping center off the Gulf Freeway near Clearwood Drive, targeting La Zona Bar and Lounge — also known as Zona 45 — and Los Corrales South. Officials said the raids happened simultaneously.
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Authorities detained multiple people during the raid and recovered several guns and drugs. In total, Houston police said 20 arrests were made.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire joined law enforcement on the scene overnight, reaffirming his commitment to cracking down on illegal after-hours clubs.
“I wanted to witness this firsthand,” Whitmire said. “I’ve never been more proud. We’re putting a stop to it and protecting Houstonians.”
The Houston City Council has been working to address the rise in illegal after-hours bars, citing public safety concerns. Last month, six people were shot at an after-hours club, drawing increased attention to the issue.
City leaders have said fines alone are not enough to deter these establishments, which often operate without proper licenses and stay open well beyond legal hours.
“We’ve seen enough,” Whitmire added. “These clubs are being shut down, and I’m taking what I saw tonight back to City Council so we can continue our work to stop this.”
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and more enforcement actions are expected in the coming weeks.