NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana's alcohol and tobacco control commissioner says he has suspended the liquor licenses at five French Quarter strip clubs because undercover agents saw prostitution, drug sales, and lewd or improper acts at each business.
Three of the clubs are on New Orleans' iconic Bourbon Street; the other two are on nearby Iberville Street.
Commissioner Troy Hebert said Tuesday that the alleged activities were occurring at each of the five clubs. Hebert says he's still investigating five to seven additional strip clubs and bars.
The head of the Louisiana State Police, Col. Mike Edmonson, says he will go over the allegations with city police and District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro.
Hebert says the clubs can remain open but can't sell alcohol or tobacco. The clubs can present their cases at an administrative hearing in a few weeks.
Hebert says the suspensions come after a monthlong undercover investigation called “Operation Trick or Treat.”
Hebert says, "It's certainly going to change things on Bourbon Street."
– by AP Reporter Janet McConnaughey
