HARRISON TWP. — State officials have rejected a liquor license renewal for Club Plush, the Harrison Twp. business facing criticism from county officials for problems at the night club.
The Division of Liquor Control on Wednesday rejected the permit from Reengage Dayton LLC, operating as Club Plush, 2213 Wagner Ford Road.
The Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office had objected to Club Plush’s license renewal on behalf of Harrison Twp. trustees and the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
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The state board’s denial can be appealed by the club to the Ohio Liquor Control Commission within 30 days, the prosecutor’s office said.
County and township officials contested the license in hearings held Aug. 8 and Aug. 29. The prosecutor’s office presented evidence of disorderly conduct, fights, unruly crowds and after-hours consumption of alcohol. Officials noted multiple shootings at the nightclub.
“Additionally, the patrons of the club, as well as the management and the security guards hired by the club, failed on a number of occasions to cooperate with the Sheriff’s Office,” Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck said.
The county logged 189 calls to 9-1-1 between June 1, 2017, and May 30, 2018, for emergency services at Club Plush. The commission noted that this was more than double the number of 9-1-1 calls for similar clubs in Harrison Twp.
Heck noted a fatal shooting happened at the parking lot of the club in September 2017.
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“This type of activity affects the quality of life in the neighborhood and decreases property values,” Heck said.
The commission’s denial noted Club Plush “has operated its liquor permit business in a manner that demonstrates a disregard for the laws, regulations, or local ordinances of this state.”
The commission, which noted violations of nudity and sexual activity at the club, also found that the club “is so located with respect to the neighborhood that substantial interference with public decency, sobriety, peace, or good order has resulted and will continue to result from the renewal of the permit …”