Denver Sports Bar Faces Allegations of Soliciting Prostitution

City orders bar owners to appear before licensing agency over claims of harboring sex workers

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Owners of a Denver bar called La Mecca Sports Bar have been ordered to appear before the city's licensing agency regarding allegations that the establishment has been harboring sex workers. An undercover police officer reportedly approached a woman outside the bar who offered 'culear' - Spanish slang for sex - for $300.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the role that some businesses may play in facilitating illegal activity. It also raises questions about how cities can balance public safety with supporting local businesses.

The details

According to reports, court records show that an undercover police officer approached a woman outside the La Mecca Sports Bar who offered to engage in a sexual act for $300. The city's Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection has now ordered the bar's owners to appear before the licensing agency regarding the allegations of harboring sex workers.

  • The alleged incident occurred on February 13, 2026.

The players

La Mecca Sports Bar

A Denver bar located at 2915 West Mississippi Avenue that is facing allegations of harboring sex workers.

Eric Escudero

A representative from the Denver Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection who stated that the city wants to protect the "health, safety and welfare" of businesses and the public.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you're a liquor license business or anything else that's required to have a license in this city, we want to protect health, safety and welfare.”

— Eric Escudero, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (CBS News Colorado)

What’s next

The bar's owners are expected to appear before the city's licensing agency to address the allegations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing public safety concerns with supporting local businesses, and the need for continued vigilance to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.