State seeks to shut down Houston-area nightclub

The State of Texas hopes to close down a nightclub owned by a Sugar Land resident.

The State of Texas filed a public nuisance suit on Dec. 19 in Harris County District Court against Howard Liao, of Sugar Land, and 5850 Entertainment Inc., known as 5850 Ranchester Drive.

The state says Liao contributes to the criminal element in the Sharpstown area of Houston by failing to manage the lawless activity that occurs at his nightclub, La Frontera, located at 5850 Ranchester.

Between Jan. 1, 2010, through the present, authorities reported three cocaine arrests, two robberies, one assault and several violations of Texas Alcohol Beverage regulations at the club, according to the brief.

The state is seeking a temporary injunction to, among other things, close down La Frontera, as well as attorney’s fees and court costs. Senior Assistant County Attorney Laura Cahill is representing the state.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2011-75771.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.