News

Graham Commends ABC Board: Dangerous Nightclub's Liquor License Revoked

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Yuckenberg
(202) 727-5820

Washington, DC: Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) commended the ABC Board today for revoking the liquor license of a dangerous nightclub in Ward One.

“I am pleased by the action of the ABC Board,” said Councilmember Graham “Smarta/Broadway was a dangerous nightclub with repeated violations.”

In the early morning hours of Saturday, January 20, 2007, the life of a young 17-year-old was abruptly taken at Smarta/Broadway, located at 1919 9th St, NW. Bouncers scuffled with a man trying to get into the club. The man was armed with a gun. During the scuffle, the gun went off and killed 17-year-old Taleshia Ford.

MPD Chief Lanier acted quickly to close the club under powers given to her in 2005 by the DC Council. The police have the authority to close a nightclub for up to 72 hours when there is a threat to public safety.

The ABC Board then launched an investigation and held a hearing to revoke the liquor license. There had been a history of 18 months of criminal or violent activity associated with this licensee.

The ABC Board voted yesterday to revoke the license for good.

“The majority of nightclubs are safe,” said Councilmember Graham, “but we must act when there is a history of violence.”

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