Three men face charges after a weekend raid on a festive south Forsyth eatery that authorities say was open for late night revelry, among other violations.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies arrived about 2:35 a.m. Sunday to find Tocayo’s Mexican Restaurant on Hwy. 9 open and crowded.

“There were dozens of patrons still on scene, the band was still playing and the alcohol was still flowing,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Deblois said.

County ordinance requires establishments that serve alcohol stop sales by 2 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and New Year’s Eve, Deblois explained. In addition, all customers must leave by 2:30 a.m.

Sheriff’s Capt. Mark Hoffman said that establishments that serve alcohol late at night can generate traffic, noise complaints and other problems.

“We’re trying to keep it from turning into an all-night party zone,” Hoffman said. “There is other questionable activity we’re investigating that may go hand in hand with late night party bars.”

He said authorities also discovered that alcohol was being served for cash and sales were not being recorded on the register.  

It was the second disturbance in a week at Tocayo’s.

Deblois said deputies who responded to a fight at the eatery Aug. 30 reported alcohol was still being served at 3:30 a.m.

As a result of Sunday's incident, Augurio Bahena was cited for selling alcohol after hours and for allowing underage drinking.

Israel Mendoza, 19, was charged with underage consumption and Armando Duran, 31, was arrested after he reportedly started a fight in front of deputies. He was charged with disorderly conduct.

All three men live in the Pine Ridge mobile home park, which is within walking distance of the restaurant.

Deblois said the alcohol license is in Bahena’s name.

Bahena, whose age was not given, will have to appear in Forsyth County Magistrate Court on the charges. He will also have to go before the Forsyth County commission for review of the violations.