Gangsta Zone

At least six clubs have shuttered their doors in recent months because of Tijuana’s waning tourism business. But, according to daily newspaper El Sol de Tijuana, those bars haven’t stopped doing business.

Jack Doron, president of CETURMEX (a consortium of Tijuana business owners), told the newspaper, “There are various locations that have been closed that are being used to hold clandestine parties where they cater to young people. The businesses are located on Avenida Revolución and on some cross streets.”

At least one bar was discovered by police on Sixth Street. Minors were reportedly caught boozing it up and engaged in risqué dancing.

“There are more locations that require the attention of authorities, where, so far, nothing has been done and [bars] are allowed to operate,” says Doron.

The illicit bars reportedly play reggaeton music, said Doron, including songs by Puerto Rican singer Daddy Yankee — not popular with parents because of his explicit and violent lyrics. Also disturbing to parents of the minors who frequent the illicit clubs is the popularity of a risqué dance called the perreo, in which the female backs up into the male’s thrusting pelvis.

"The problem began for lack of vigilance by authorities,” Doron told El Sol. The illegal establishments are located in bars and “singing cafés” that were previously closed for lack of business. But new “owners” have reopened them and said they were never closed, and they claim to have legal permits.

In a story published earlier this month, the daily Frontera reported that metal doors intended to seal off closed bars had been forcefully pried open and that the places were being used for all-night parties and raves.