Drug violence killing vibrant nightlife in Nuevo Laredo

07:03 PM CDT on Friday, August 12, 2005

By Angela Kocherga / 11 News Mexico Bureau

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NUEVO LAREDO, MEXICO -- Perhaps it was only a matter of time but the violence in Nuevo Laredo is taking more than just lives in this dusty border town. It's also causing a big loss of business and tourism.

Texans who often crossed the border to shop and cut loose at bars and nightclubs are thinking twice now.

In response, city leaders issued a curfew in hopes of bringing order back to this seeimngly lawless town. So far this year, Nuevo Laredo has recorded more than 100 murders.

But club owners said the curfew will kill business; forcing them not just to shut down early, but maybe for good.

Raul Cruz, the manager of Canana's Bar, says a midnight curfew to curb crime means the party is over for his business. It will hurt us, Cruz said, since most of his customers show up at 11:30 it makes no sense to open at all.

Canana's will close it's doors, at least temporarily laying off 45 employees. The restaurant and bar had already scaled back from four days a week to just one in response to a decline in business.

"I always felt safe here," John Woods, a tourist said. "I don't quite feels so safe any more."

Nearby at the El Dorado Bar, a real estate agent from San Antonio enjoyed his margarita at lunch rather than dinner. "I'm out of here before dark," he said.

Senor Frogs, which once hopped with young customers crossing the border to cut loose, shut down few months ago.

Even Boystown, a favorite with generations of Texans, is having trouble luring clients across the border. The ladies of Nuevo Laredo's redlight district say a curfew will only make things worse. Though they did not want to comment on the record, the women complain the curfew will cost them business.

Right now, city officials have said the curfew will be in effect for 30 days, perhaps longer if necessary.

So for now, after dark, there are more soldiers and police patroling the streets than people looking for a party.