Purple Haze/Facebook
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) yanked Purple Haze’s liquor license on the same day owners of the nightclub said they were closing to “evaluate best practices.”
A statement from the state agency Monday said the decision came after a review of incidents at the club over the last two years, “including the sales of narcotics within the establishment, multiple assaults, and the recent shooting.” TABC Executive Director Clayton Byrd said the suspension was to ensure that “additional members of the public are not hurt.”
“We are very concerned about the recent shooting and the information that we have obtained from the Memphis Police Department which outlined multiple criminal violations that have occurred on or about the licensee’s premise,” Clayton said in a statement.
A shooting at Purple Haze last Monday sent four to hospitals. Club owners said the shooters somehow manage to sneak firearms past its security protocols.
TABC Special Agents were sent to the club to investigate. They conducted interviews, reviewed surveillance video footage, and collected evidence, according to the TABC.
“They worked closely with Memphis Police Department investigators who provided TABC with reports that had been used to obtain indictments for felony narcotics violations that stemmed from undercover operations not related to the recent shooting,” TABC said.
The suspension becomes permanent unless Purple Haze owners can persuade TABC officials against it during a hearing on November 4th.