Charleston Revokes Downtown Nightclub’s Business License
The city of Charleston has voted to revoke the business license of Ann Street Brand, LLC, the company which owns downtown nightclub Aura Latin Club. The establishment, formerly known as Deco, was forced to close its doors in June following the decision.
Aura Latin Club Loses Business License
On June 14, the city held a hearing which included evidence presented from witnesses, police reports, written materials, video evidence, and testimony. According to Tim Domin, the lawyer hired by the city to investigate this case, the decision to revoke the license of Ann Street Brand, LLC stemmed from two main violations connected to the club’s operations.
Domin reported that the club had been the source of a significant amount of police activity, with numerous incidents of fights and assaults recorded.
Zoning Violation Leads to Investigation
The second violation came to light during the process of preparing documentation to close the business. The Aura Latin Club had been found to be hosting a “male review”, which was identified as a zoning violation. The investigation revealed that the club repeatedly conducted male review shows, during which male dancers partially disrobed, exposing a substantial portion of their posterior.
Club Operator Responds to License Revocation
In response to the city’s decision, Feidin Santana, founder and operator of Aura Latin Club, contended that the city had not issued any warnings or offered assistance in rectifying any issues. Santana expressed willingness to address and resolve any concerns identified by the city in order to continue the business operations. He questioned why Aura was singled out when similar “strip shows” were being held in other locations as well.
In Santana’s statement, he also touched upon the question of racial diversity, indicating that Aura Latin Club catered primarily to a Black and Hispanic demographic, thus enriching the city’s diversity. Santana attributed a negative sentiment to the administration for abruptly closing the only Latin club in town and causing around thirty individuals to lose their jobs.
Statement from Mayor Cogswell
Meanwhile, Mayor Cogswell released a statement expressing zero tolerance for businesses that violated rules designed to protect both customers and business owners. Citing numerous documented incidents involving assault, underage drinking and other criminal activities, the Mayor addressed Aura Nightclub’s clear violation of city laws. He stressed that businesses forming part of the Charleston community should operate responsibly and prioritize the welfare of residents.
The revocation of the business license is valid solely for Ann Street Brand, LLC, the company that operated Aura Latin Club. City lawyer Tim Domin noted that while other events continue under the same name, they were hosted by different entities and thus far complied with lawful practices and protocol.
Community’s Reaction to Nightclub’s Closure
With the removal of the Aura Latin Club’s business license, many community members expressed disappointment and concern over accountability and support for local businesses, especially those enhancing the city’s cultural diversity. This development underscores the importance of maintaining fundamental business practices compliant with city regulation and preserving a safe environment for all residents.
