Actually it was already acted on. My only problems with this is that I've seen far too many police officers "moonlighting" at clubs wearing their uniform and even ones just on duty spending more time flirting and being smooth with the ladies than actually patrolling. I replied to Jim Graham about this and he even mentioned that policing has been an issue as well.
The other problem is that if they have problems with minors in bars, then places like 930 Club and Black Cat could be in jeopardy if they do away with all ages. I don't think that is the case with this and the problem was they had live entertainment without that type of license.
MindCage
Mindless Faith Deep6 Productions From Graham:
Dear Friends:
Chief Lanier is acting today, under powers given her in 2005 by the DC
Council, to close a nightclub at 1919 9th Street, which was the site of
a homicide last night. Under the law, the MPD Chief can in an emergency
such as this close a liquor establishment for up to 72 hours. Chief
tells me that this bar will be closed.
At about 2:30 AM, a 17 year old girl was shot dead at Smarta Broadway,
on the second floor.
According to government information to me, a young lady was put out of
the club for smoking marijuana. It appears as though she then returned
with a male friend, who was armed with a gun.
The male friend reportedly had a scuffle with the bouncers in an effort
to get into the club. During that scuffle, the male friend's gun went
off killing the young girl. The killer fled.
I am told that the bar, which is licensed as a night club, had a band
that may have been playing Go Go.
To their credit, the Ethiopian businesses have hired cost reimbursable
officers for this block of 9th Street. They were on duty last night, but
at the time of the homicide, they were reportedly making an arrest.
There was strong police deployment in the U Street area, though I am
also told they had a very busy night.
I support Chief Lanier's action, which at this very moment is being
prepared by Commander McCoy.
I am also troubled that DC law permits the presence of a minor in a
nightclub. (Of course, the consumption of alcohol by minors is
prohibited, and we have a strong DC program on that.) But the current
DC law prohibits the presence of minors ONLY in liquor stores during
school hours. I will be considering emergency legislation on this
subject relating to night clubs and perhaps other alcohol establishments
for the next council session. I am pleased to state that I was the
author of the law strengthening the Police Chief's emergency closure
powers. And that came from the violent U Street clubs that we
closed...Kili's, Club U and Between Friends, none of which are operating
today.
This is the best information I have at this hour.
Our sympathies go out to the family of the young victim, and we do
encourage those who have intelligence on this to call police at
727-9099.
Sincerely, Councilmember Jim Graham
