'Operation Trick or Treat' cracks down on vice in New Orleans clubs
Four clubs along one of New Orleans鈥檚 most famous streets have had their alcohol and tobacco permits suspended after authorities found them to be a hotbed of prostitution, drugs, and 鈥渓ewd acts.鈥�
The Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control issued emergency suspension orders on Thursday to Babe鈥檚 Cabaret, Big Daddy鈥檚, Bourbon Cowboy, and the Swamp, which are all clubs along Bourbon Street, a historic 13-block strip in the French Quarter known for its nightlife,聽.
In an ongoing state-led investigation dubbed 鈥淥peration Trick or Treat,鈥� authorities say they have discovered prostitution and drug activity at Big Daddy鈥檚 and Babe鈥檚 Cabaret, in addition to 鈥渓ewd/improper acts.鈥� Illegal drug sales were also found at The Swamp and Bourbon Cowboy.
at the clubs and saw dancers consenting to sex acts for money, according to The New Orleans Advocate. Though the violations are considered administrative, not criminal, officials are also conducting a criminal investigation.
"We are in the second month of this operation and it will continue to run through the holidays," ATC commissioner Troy Hebert said in a release, according to the Associated Press. "ATC will continue to do its part to weed out criminal activity at locations that are given the privilege to sell alcohol and tobacco."
Nine French Quarter bars or clubs in total have been accused of illegal activity. Last month, the licenses of five clubs on or near Bourbon Street were suspended after being targeted by the state鈥檚 ongoing investigation.
ATC commissioner Hebert told the Advocate he聽considers the French Quarter to be the 鈥渏ewel of the state鈥� and said he drew agents from other cities as part of an effort to preserve one of Louisiana's prized investments.
The Louisiana State Police are still deciding if any criminal charges are warranted.
This report contains material from The Associated Press.
