CINCINNATI — The city of Cincinnati is considering opposing the renewal of Camp Washington’s liquor license after reports of too many complaints from residents and calls from police.
Residents told City Council members this week that police have had to respond to too many calls about Legacy Lounge, and also cited multiple instances of public urination by people at the nightclub.
“Tenants are being evicted because of the late nights, loud music and 5 a.m. nuisance,” said Sidney Pridge of the Camp Washington Urban Renewal Corporation.
Nightclub owners and staff said they were not responsible for these incidents as the nightclub only opened in January.
“It’s unfair that new businesses are being shunned and forced to take on the reputation of another previous business in the same location,” said Stephanie Harper, who works at Legacy Lounge.
Harper also said he has made changes since taking office.
“Since renting this property to open Legacy, I have done several things to do everything I can to ensure that it is a safe space for our patrons to spend their leisure time. ” she said. “I established a Cincinnati Police Department detail and installed security cameras inside and outside.”
The city said there have been concerning incidents since the new owners took over, including an incident in February. Police responded to a call of shots fired. Officers said they told Legacy security guards that the shooting came from outside the building. However, police said the shooting came from inside.
“If there was a shooting inside, they were hesitant to let uniformed officers in, but they ended up going in and blaming the broken glass on the speakers, the bullhorns. That’s also a problem. It will be,” said Sgt. Zach Starbling, CPD Deputy Squad Supervisor.
The City Council voted this week to postpone a decision that would allow the owners to work toward a resolution with the city. A final decision is expected to be made on April 16th. It will then be sent to the Ohio Department of Liquor Control.
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