DC9 liquor license suspended until further notice
- Placards have been placed outside the DC9 nightclub announcing an indefinitely suspension of its liquor license. (Photo: TBD Staff)
Don't plan on grabbing a drink or catching a show at the DC9 nightclub any time soon.
D.C.'s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has agreed to summarily suspend DC9's license to serve alcohol until the outcome of a yet to be scheduled hearing.
The temporary decision comes in the wake of the death of 27-year-old Ali Ahmed Mohammed following a struggle with DC9 employees early Friday morning. Four DC9 employees as well as co-owner Bill Spieler have been charged with one count each of aggravated assault in the incident.
D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier exercised her authority Friday to order the club shuttered for up to 96 hours following Mohammed's death. The ABC Board's action Tuesday extends that suspension indefinitely.
Suspension placards have been posted outside the club, and DC9 relinquished its license to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration on Monday, according to ABRA program manager Danielle Balmelle.
The club had already canceled or moved all scheduled shows through Nov. 1.
Family and friends of Mohammed are planning to hold a candlelight vigil outside the club, located at 9th and U streets NW, at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.
3 Comments
Jeff Peterson
Answer me this: Just because an establishment doesn't carry a liquor license doesn't mean you can't drink there, right? So is it lawful to bring your own beer into the DC9 while the suspension is in place?
Nate 1
Even if it were, and I kind of doubt it is, there's no way that would be profitable for the venue. Knowing what touring bands' guarantees look like and how many people come to the typical DC9 show, I seriously doubt more than a small fraction of DC9 shows make enough off the door to cover much more than the touring band's guarantee. The liquor sales keep the business running.
Tiffany Bridge
I believe that may be legal, but that doesn't mean DC9 can afford to pay its staff without the proceeds from alcohol sales.
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