In a collateral attack on crime in Detroit, Police Chief Warren Evans announced Monday that the city will not tolerate local businesses that allow criminal activity on premises. The backdrop for a press conference featuring Evans and other city officials was the Platinum Lounge at 13741 McNichols at Shaefer on the city's Northwest side, now closed through May, 2010.
The Platinum Lounge had been the site of two separate incidents this past July in which brawls culminated in shootings. One man was shot following a fist fight on July 1, and two teenagers were shot under similar circumstances July 22. After the second incident, the Detroit Police requested an emergency suspension of the club's business license, which was granted the following day. This closure was cited as part of a larger scheme by the police, the city's Law Department, and Building, Safety and Engineering Department to penalize businesses that routinely permit unlawful activity on their property.
Last week, the State Liqour Control Commission decided to permanently revoke the Platinum Lounge's license until next May, an action from which the club's owner can appeal to the Wayne County Circuit Court.
At the press conference, Chief Evans said: "Businesses like the Platinum Lounge destroy the quality of life for families that live near them, and are putting our youth at risk of being shot and possibly killed." He further stated: "This victory for neighbors in this area should send a clear message that businesses that allow this type of illegal activity may be the next to be padlocked."
Echoing these sentiments was Second Deputy Chief John Roach: "These establishments need to either clean up their act, or risk being shut down."
Comments