Superior Court’s order assures that violence-plagued nightclub must remain shuttered for the duration of City Attorney’s legal action
SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 28, 2010)—A San Francisco Superior Court judge this morning granted City Attorney Dennis Herrera’s motion for a preliminary injunction to shutter Club Suede, a notorious Fisherman’s Wharf nightclub that was the site of a fatal shooting earlier this year. In issuing the preliminary injunction, Judge Peter J. Busch found that Herrera is likely to prevail on the merits on the causes of action alleged in his complaint filed in April of this year. Hanson Wong and Taliesin Entertainment Group are named as defendants for their operation of the establishment at 383 Bay Street. Though Club Suede voluntarily closed its doors some months ago, today’s preliminary injunction will prevent the operators from reopening the violence-plagued establishment for the duration of the lawsuit.
“San Francisco treasures its vibrant night life and the vast majority of entertainment venues that operate responsibly,” said Herrera. “Unfortunately, Club Suede’s refusal to abide by the law has created a dangerous environment for club-goers and neighbors alike. Policing irresponsible establishments like Club Suede is about protecting public safety and assuring fair treatment to the law-abiding entertainment businesses that comprise one of our City’s most important cultural and economic sectors.”
Club Suede was the site of a fatal shooting in the early hours of Feb. 7, 2010, and its operators have been reported for a pattern of nuisance and unlawful conduct dating as far back as 2007. The venue has been a frequent site of service calls by the San Francisco Police Department for violent incidents, including some involving firearms; neighborhood vandalism; and crowd control problems, according to Herrera’s complaint. The club’s long established pattern of illegal and unfair business practices additionally includes operating beyond permitted business hours; permitting consumption of alcohol after 2:00 a.m.; inadequately credentialed security personnel; and multiple violations of state and local police and safety codes. The City and the defendants are currently engaged in settlement discussions.
The case is: City and County of San Francisco and People of the State of California v. Hanson Wong; Taliesin Entertainment Group, LLC et al., San Francisco Superior Court case no. 498-677, filed Apr. 16, 2010. A copy of the court order and additional documentation is available on the City Attorney’s Web site at https://www.sfcityattorney.org.