Flint clubs shut down for illegal operation, safety reasons
FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) - Over the last two weeks, four clubs have been shut down for operating illegally in the city of Flint, and one temporarily lost its liquor license.
The Flint Police Department made the announcement on Friday, May 5.
The police department, along with the Fire Department, Fire Marshal, and Building and Safety inspectors, conducted inspections at the businesses in reference to illegal club operations.
Det. Sgt. Tyrone Booth with the Flint Police Department said the clubs were shut down for safety reasons, adding that some places didn’t have licenses and were operating as pop-up bars.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said the city is cracking down.
“For far too long we have allowed businesses to operate without the proper licensing and to make sure they’re properly open and observing all the laws,” Neeley said.
Flint Police announced the closures on their Facebook page, stating, “These clubs have been violated and issued orders to vacate the premises, and notices to stop work immediately at the time of inspections.”
Police shut down the following clubs:
- Kickback Lounge on 3104 Flushing Road, issued an order to evacuate;
- Club What’s Next at 2511 W. Pasadena Avenue, issued an order to evacuate and a suspension of its liquor license for 60 days;
- Club at Welch Boulevard/Chevrolet Avenue on 1665 Chevrolet Avenue, issued a legal notice to stop work immediately and an order to evacuate; and
- Millennium Club 4401 Selby Street, issued a legal notice to stop work immediately.
In addition, the liquor license of Club What’s Next was suspended for 60 days, preventing them from selling alcohol for failing to cooperate with law enforcement officers, according to the police.
“We see fatalities, we see accidents happen in these establishments when they’re not regulated or licensed. And so, we’re taking a hard line in the city of Flint by making sure we operate and observe all the laws of this community,” Neeley said.
Neeley said the police action is closely tied to the city’s nuisance ordinance.
“Sometimes these establishments are close to residential areas. They have a lot of noise, a lot of traffic, a lot of debris after the events. If they’re not licensing in a proper way, we’re shutting them down,” Neeley said,
He also said they believe monitoring these businesses will help the city cut down on crime.
“We’re not targeting the patriots of any of those businesses, but definitely we’re targeting the business that could be promoting the drivers of crime in our community,” Neeley said. “And so, we want everybody to have safe engagement when they go out at night.”
Booth said they are not looking to close these clubs permanently, and they encourage them to get their proper licensing so they can resume business after the 60-day suspension.
“We want people to be able to have fun but safely,” he said.
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