We've received word this afternoon that the Clubhouse Music Venue was shut down earlier today. While no word of the concert hall's closure has been posted on its website or Facebook page, New Times confirmed with concert promoters that it is no longer in operation.
One promoter, who spoke with New Times on the condition of anonymity, states it received an e-mail from the venue's management about the closure earlier today. The Horse & Hound Sports Bar, which is adjacent to the Clubhouse and operates under the same liquor license, is believed to still be open.
California-based promoter Sean Healy Presents announced on its Facebook page that this weekend's performance by hip-hop artist Asher Roth (which was to take place at the Clubhouse) has been moved to Rocky Point Cantina. More than two dozen other upcoming concerts were scheduled for the venue, although no word has surfaced if said shows will be moved to new venues or cancelled outright.
The closure of the beleaguered concert hall, which has come under investigation by the City of Tempe in regard to its security since the gang-involved shooting in its parking lot on March 2, comes less than 24 hours after a town hall meeting where Clubhouse allies voiced their support.
The closure is the latest development in the maelstrom of drama that's developed since the shooting. Owner Eugenia Ruven was arrested and cited on Friday for failing to adhere to the establishment's security plan, which was also revoked by city officials late last week.
Calls to Ruven, who has run the Clubhouse since it opened in 2004 (and -- according to scuttlebutt -- has been trying to sell it in recent years), had not been returned as of this writing.
The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control also reportedly has been conducting an investigation into the Clubhouse for possible violations of its liquor license.
An administrative hearing on its use permit was scheduled to take place on April 3.
While the exact reason for the Clubhouse's closure hasn't been determined, it's a safe bet that any of the above are the culprit.
Stay tuned for more info on the situation as it develops.
See additional photos of the Clubhouse shooting.
See our previous coverage here:
More on Clubhouse Owner's Arrest and How It Could Be the First Step Toward the Venue's Closure
Tempe Police Arrest Suspect in Clubhouse Shooting, Will Also Investigate Music Venue Itself
Shooting at Nipsey Hussle Concert in Tempe Last Night Injures 13 People. Suspects Still at Large
Suspect in Clubhouse Music Venue Shooting Identified by Tempe Police Department
