Sheriff Moves to Shut Down "Problem" Nightclub

Cherokee County’s sheriff wants to shut down what he calls a problematic nightclub after almost a hundred reports of problems over the past two years.

Richard’s Club, formerly known as O’Henry’s, sits on Old Georgia Highway, and Sheriff Steve Mueller says the place has a reputation for shootings and fights.

In fact, two weekends ago, the dance floor was packed when someone fired shots into the air. While no one was hit, pandemonium ensued and people tripped over each other trying to run out of the club. (watch video above)

Late last fall, Mueller says he met with the club’s owner and threatened to shut them down. However, the owner asked what he could do to stay open and the sheriff advised him to hire armed guards and install more cameras.

Mueller says that was done, and calls for service decreased, but this recent bought of violence doesn’t suit Mueller.

“I still just don’t feel like they’re doing enough to curb violence,” Mueller said.

In 2010, the sheriff’s office responded 36 times for everything from shootings to fights to automobile thefts. In 2011, the number of incidents increased to 38, and there have been two incidents (a shots fired call and a stabbing) so far in 2012.

Mueller also pointed out bullet holes in the neighboring building, and expressed concern about surrounding homes and traffic along the busy highway.

“I’m afraid a stray bullet is going to hit an innocent person traveling to and from work,” Mueller said.

Mueller said his office inquired about pulling the club’s liquor license last year, but Mueller said the state department of revenue told him that the violence wasn’t excessive enough yet to take action.

To that, “we don’t want to wait until someone’s been killed before action’s taken. We want to be proactive and … take action on the front side,” he said.

That’s why Mueller will begin working with the solicitor’s office to take civil action against the club to see if a court will declare it a public nuisance. If that’s the case, the club could be shut down.

Mueller said unfortunately the county does not have an ordinance to address problem businesses, so the only way to take action is through the courts.

“Ultimately we are coming out here way too many times,” said the sheriff.

Attempts to reach the club’s owners were unsuccessful.