A court hearing was held Nov. 25 that resulted in a tentative settlement between El Paso County and newly established Chicas Locas Bikini Bar. The bar had its grand opening Sept. 19 at the previous location of Jaguars Gold Club, which was shut down in February.
The County Attorney’s office filed a suit Feb. 23 against RCI Holdings, former owners of Jaguars and current owners of Chicas Locas, for several criminal violations. Some violations include failure to provide a business license, unauthorized sale of beer/alcohol and prostitution.
In September, Chicas Locas announced its grand opening at the former location of Jaguars. The opening was met with another lawsuit by the County Attorney’s Office Sept. 20 for violations of the prior settlement agreement.
According to KTSM 9, the hearing originally scheduled for Oct. 16 was delayed after Judge Annabelle Perez determined the defense, RCI Holdings, did not have sufficient time to review the evidence against the establishment.
In the Nov. 25 hearing, it was determined that Chicas Locas must post a $10,000 bond and provide evidence of adherence to city ordinances and fire safety regulations. The club is set to reopen in March 2025 should such evidence be presented.
Amy Monsivais, a principal attorney for El Paso County, told KFOX 14 that the agreement will end all litigation between El Paso County and any club operating at 11377 Gateway West.
Before opening in March, RCI Holdings must also provide proof of employment of peace officers or level four security guards.
Prior to the hearing, the County Attorney’s Office cited violations of conditions established at the time of the injunction against Jaguars Gold Club.
Among these violations was the promotion of Chicas Locas that suggested the ‘bikini bar’ was to operate as a strip club, or sexually oriented business.
Counterclaims from Casey Wallace, attorney for Chicas Locas, state the business had presented itself only as an adult entertainment bikini bar, but not a strip club.
During the hearing, testimonies from undercover law enforcement say dancers at the club removed their tops to reveal a liquid latex covering that representatives from Chicas Locas argue is a “court-approved covering” as reported by KFOX 14.
The parties will finalize and present the agreement to a judge on Dec. 6. Another hearing will be scheduled if there are any further violations of the settlement.
Alyda Muela is the web editor and can be reached at [email protected]
