Mayor Domenic Sarno is continuing to put pressure on Lux nightclub, the site of a shooting last weekend.
This afternoon, the city Law Department issued a cease-and-desist letter to Lux’s manager ordering it to shut down an event planned later this month. A flyer for the April 26 event promised no cover charge for “ladies” before 11:30 p.m. as well as “drink specials all night” (including something with the curious name “candie punch adult confections”). The Law Department letter cited state law that “prohibit discrimination based upon sex” including “offering a reduced cover charge to women.” It also cited a city ordinance that forbids bars’ use of flyers to advertise such events.
“We will continue to make sure pouring establishments are adhering to the law,” Sarno said in a press release announcing the order. “We will not tolerate establishments that ignore state law and city ordinances.
The cease-and-desist letter is the latest salvo in the mayor’s battle with Lux. On Sunday, a man was shot outside the Worthington Street nightclub, part of what police have described as a series of connected shootings at several spots around the city. Sarno blasted the club the next day at a press conference where he vowed to ‘weed out the bad apples” and “run … out of town” problem clubs. Sarno has sole discretion over the entertainment licenses clubs need for things like live music and also appoints the members of the License Commission, which oversees liquor licenses.
After the mayor’s press conference, Lux’s owner, Sherwood Jarrett told the Republican that he and his club were being unfairly scapegoated by Sarno.
