Ibiza Nightclub DC which operated in the NoMa neighborhood of Northeast D.C. was shut down by D.C. officials Wednesday, April 9th for operating without a proper business license.
The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs issued a notice to discontinue business at the club because the establishment does not have a "valid business license," said Matt Orlins, spokesman for DCRA.
The club's basic business license expired in June 2013, according to a memo from DCRA. Ibiza Nightclub DC is required by D.C. law to have a public hall license due to its occupancy load of over 1,300 patrons. In order to reopen, Ibiza will have to apply for a new public hall license.
The expired license was discovered during a site inspection by the District of Columbia Noise Task Force March 28.
As a result of the DCRA action, the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration also issued a cease-and-desist order to Ibiza to stop the sale of alcohol at the site. ABRA licensees "shall not engage in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages unless its BBL is in good standing," according to the order.
Ibiza's liquor license will have to be reinstated by the board in order for the club to resume operations.
The club has had its share of negative headlines in recent months. The club's operators were also subject to scrutiny by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration last summer for sale to a minor, according to a local ANC Commissioner. Ibiza Nightclub DC operated by Superclub Ibiza LLC on First Street in NE DC has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as of July 3rd.
The owners of the nightclub decided to put it on the market for $4.5 million dollars. Whoever takes over this venue will get the “nude dancing license” that comes along with it.
This is the third large-scale nightclub to close in D.C. in the past year. Love Nightclub DC formerly Dream created by Marc Barnes which sat off of New York Avenue NE ceased operations in November 2013. The property at 1350 Okie St. NE is currently up for auction by Tranzon Fox. Fur Nightclub DC headed by Michael Romeo at 33 Patterson St. NE closed operations in D.C last August and is making way for new building in the NOMA area.
