In the wake of an ongoing drug and money laundering scandal, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has canceled the liquor licenses of nine downtown clubs operated by the Yassine family.
As KUT Newspreviously reported, the clubs have been closed since March of last year, when the Yassine brothers were arrested on federal drug, weapon and money laundering charges.
Hussein “Mike” Yassine, founder and president of the Yassine Enterprises, had fought to prevent the state from canceling the nightclubs’ liquor permit for the last year. Yassine and one of his brothers were found guilty of money laundering, and are awaiting sentencing this month. The conviction will prevent Yassine from obtaining a liquor license until five years after his sentence expires.
Four new liquor permits were issued Wednesday, which will enable new businesses to move in. Here’s a rundown of changes:
- Bourbon Girl is taking over the former site of Spill, 212 E. 6th Street
- 413 Bar is moving into the former site of Treasure Island, 413 E. 6th Street
- Chicago House is opening shop in the former Fuel site, 607 Trinity
- Castro’s Warehouse is moving into Hyde’s old address, 213 W. 4th Street.
TABC is still reviewing applications for Kiss and Fly, Malaia, Roial, Stack Burger Bar and Pure. You can read more on the TABC website.
