Athena Night Club closed to decrease crime
March 4, 2008
Athena Night Club is officially closed following the arrests of MU basketball players Stefhon Hannah and Jason Horton, who were involved in a fight outside the nightclub on Jan. 27. In 2007, 143 emergency calls were placed from the nightclub, which had been operating on a provisional liquor license since August 2007.
(Click graphic to enlarge)
Athena Night Club has closed its doors with no plans to reopen.
According to a Feb. 12 letter sent from Athena Night Club attorney Bogdan Susan to Columbia Business Services Director Janice Finley, the nightclub will no longer be in operation, though Nikai Mediterranean Grill, the restaurant and pizza kitchen adjacent to the nightclub, will still be open for business, the letter stated.
Athena Night Club was operating on a provisional liquor license since August 2007 and had its liquor license suspended Jan. 18. In a report submitted for approval to Columbia City Council at Monday’s meeting, City Manager Bill Watkins stated the city had been concerned about the number of crimes that occurred at the location.
The most recent incident occurred on Jan. 27 when MU basketball senior forwards Jason Horton and Stefhon Hannah were charged with third-degree assault. The altercation occurred nine days after the city suspended Athena’s liquor license.
In the same report, data was available on the number of emergency calls to the Columbia Police Department for the last four years. In 2007, police were called from Athena Night Club 143 times. Since opening in late 2004, police have been called 323 times.
On Aug. 14, 2007, Columbia Police Department sent a letter to owner Daniel Vero listing suggestions for reducing crime at the location, including instituting a dress code and checking patrons for weapons. The letter asked for a response by Aug. 31, but did not receive one, the report stated.
The report stated Athena’s business representative — who was unnamed in the report — met with CPD in November 2007 and planned to consider CPD’s suggestions. After receiving no follow-up letter, the city suspended Athena’s license on Jan. 18.
The restaurant is still open on business premises, but was closed this past Monday during the specified hours of operation.
Vero, co-owner Rashid Kihkia and attorney Susan could not be reached for comment.
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