THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 15, 1996 TAG: 9605150489
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
In lieu of a 90-day suspension of their liquor license, owners of The Showcase, formerly known as The Ebony Showcase, have agreed to pay a $5,000 fine and remain on probation for a year after violating the state's alcoholic beverage control laws.
The club, located at 2850 Airline Blvd., was charged with maintaining a noisy or disorderly establishment, being a nuisance to neighboring residents and allowing the club to be used as a meeting place for drug users.
Further violations include allowing partial ownership of the club by Rajesh Patel, a convicted felon and the employment of Charles N. Kidd, another convicted felon.
As part of the agreement between club operators and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, the club must maintain better security in the parking area to control noise, littering and prevent other ABC violations. Club operators also must sever business ties with Patel and Kidd.
The business will be subject to monthly audits and inspections by ABC agents and it must adhere to an order by the Portsmouth Circuit Court in February allowing the club to re-open if operators agreed to target an older crowd, adhere to the city's noise ordinance and stop all entertainment at 1 a.m.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD NIGHTCLUBS by CNB