MEMPHIS, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons and Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin announced Wednesday that police had secured and padlocked a Beale Street night club that has a history of violent and threatening incidents, overcrowding that spills into the street, and numerous code violations. 

The District Attorney’s Office filed a public nuisance action against the owners and operators of the Plush Club, located at 380 Beale Street.  The nuisance action was filed after a Memphis police investigation prompted by numerous complaints from citizens, nearby businesses, and police about criminal violations that occur at and outside the night club.  One of those incidents occurred last July in which multiple victims – including a 14 year old – were shot and injured outside the club’s doors.  Just last month, Memphis police officers responded to a large crowd and fight that began inside the Plush Club and spilled out onto the street.  Individuals in the crowd fought with police, and several officers and others were injured in the melee.

Environmental Court Judge Larry Potter ordered the Plush Club temporarily closed and secured.

The judge ordered the owners and operators to court for a hearing at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15 to answer to the allegations in the petition.

An investigation by the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit resulted in the following allegations in the nuisance petition:

·  The Plush Club is operated in a manner that shows a lack of concern for the safety if its patrons and the patrons of surrounding businesses on Beale Street;

· Frequent criminal violations including several violent and threatening incidents have occurred inside and outside the club;

· There is a general lack of control of the large crowds, including juveniles, that the Plush Club routinely draws;

· The Plush Club employees inadequate and improperly licensed security; and

· There have been numerous violations of various code, business, and drink requirements.

“We contend the Plush Club is operated in a lawless manner with no regard for the safety of its patrons and the safety of the surrounding community,” said District Attorney Bill Gibbons.  “Other Beale Street merchants are impacted by the incidents occurring there.  We will not allow the Plush Club to deter lawful citizens and tourists from enjoying one of Memphis’ most important entertainment districts or place law-abiding businesses in jeopardy,” Gibbons stressed.

“The complaints from our citizens have not been ignored,” stated Director Godwin.  “We have worked diligently using covert operations to effectively address the criminal activity that has taken place here at the Plush Club.  As the Director of the Memphis Police Department, we will continue to enforce the laws and ordinances of the City of Memphis and the State of Tennessee.  I will not tolerate any type of criminal activity in any business” Godwin added.

Tennessee law states that the District Attorney General has authority to bring a civil action against any establishment deemed a nuisance.  The statute defines a nuisance, in part, as “any place

in or upon which… unlawful sale of any regulated legend drug, narcotic or other controlled substance…quarrelling, drunkenness, fighting, or breaches of the peace are carried on or permitted.”

The D.A.’s Office, working with investigations by the Memphis Police Department and as part of Operation Blue CRUSH™, has filed nuisance petitions against the owners of more than 200 properties, both residential and businesses, under the Tennessee nuisance law.  Some nuisance actions have resulted in permanent closure of the properties.  Others have reopened under consent orders to alleviate the nuisance.