Controversial Chicas Locas club set to reopen Saturday

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The controversial Chicas Locas night club is scheduled to reopen Saturday, March 1 in East El Paso, according to its own advertising on social media.

As we previously reported, under a tentative agreement with the County Attorney’s Office last November, the owners of Chicas Locas agreed to stay closed until March 1.

The club had previously opened at the former site of the Jaguars night club in East El Paso, 11377 Gateway West.

The El Paso County Attorney’s Office said the owners of the club have meet the necessary requirements to resume operations.

According to compliance orders filed with the court, Chicas Locas has not operated a business at the property before the authorized reopening date; refrained from appealing the court’s order; posted a $10,000 bond with the El Paso County District Attorney; complied with a previous agreement dated March 19, 2024; attempted to hire off-duty law enforcement officers but were unsuccessful; and contracted licensed security personnel and provided documentation to the court.

“As the defendants have fulfilled these conditions, the County Attorney’s Office does not have the authority to prevent the reopening of the business,” the County Attorney’s Office said.

The County Attorney’s Office did say it will monitor compliance with the agreed-upon terms and take appropriate action should any violations occur.

El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez said this case was initiated by the Nuisance Abatement Team (NAT), which is dedicated to ensuring that businesses operate lawfully and do not contribute to activities that compromise public safety.

“The Nuisance Abatement Team plays a vital role in addressing community concerns related to criminal activity, utilizing civil statutes to promote safer neighborhoods. Since its establishment in 2016, NAT has worked diligently to combat criminal nuisances and illegal activities on properties, strengthening the safety and well-being of our community,” Sanchez said

Sanchez highlighted NAT’s efforts in enforcing compliance with the law, particularly in cases involving unlicensed alcohol sales, prostitution, narcotics trafficking, and disorderly conduct.

“Our goal is to foster cooperation between business owners, law enforcement, and the community to ensure a safer El Paso for everyone,” Sanchez said.

The City of El Paso sent KTSM the following statement about Chicas Locas’ reopening:

“In late November 2024, the court agreement with the County Attorney’s Office directed that the establishment would remain closed until March. At this time, the business is in compliance with building safety and fire codes; however, the City remains committed to enforcing compliance with its Sexually Oriented Business (SOB) Ordinance, and will continue to pursue fines for 12 years of noncompliance with that ordinance. Due to the City’s ongoing litigation, we are unable to provide additional comments at this time.”

We will update this story when we learn more.

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