Staff writer

kwarco@observer-reporter.com

The lights are out at The VIP Room after a raid late Friday by Washington police, the city code enforcement officer, state police liquor control enforcement officers and Washington County Adult Probation.

Problems with fire extinguishers prompted the immediate closure of the club at 19 N. Main St. and the evacuation of about 110 patrons, said city police Chief James R. Blyth.

The club had been advertising a body-painting party, inviting people to come "Party, party, party." Some of the ads were sexually oriented, Blyth said.

A liquor enforcement officer first entered the establishment and then notified city police after finding several 18- to 20-year-olds in the area of a bar. State law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 to be in a bar without a parent or guardian.

"Some of the people inside recognized the officer, and some of the younger people started disappearing," Blyth said.

City police had been alerted earlier about the party and were ready to respond.

"They called us about 10:30 p.m., and we went en masse," Blyth said. "We blocked North Main with all of our marked units."

Blyth said there were about 70 people outside the club waiting to get in when law enforcement entered.

"Thank God we went in when we did," the chief said.

Behrens found that the fire extinguishers inside the club had either expired or were not charged. City fire Chief Linn Brookman also indicated that the sprinkler system had not been inspected since 2005. Also, missing from walls were maximum occupancy permit signs.

"If we let them stay open and then something happened, the city would have been liable," Blyth said.

Women wearing nothing but body paint were scheduled to dance.

"But it never got that far," Blyth said.

The patrons included a large contingent from the Penn Hills, Monroeville and Churchhill areas, the chief said. An entertainer booked for the evening was from the Penn Hills area and had brought a following with him.

Five people were charged with underage drinking. Adult probation also found several violations. Additional charges are pending.

Behrens is expected to provide police with a report of the violations early this week.

"We were successful in shutting down a problem," Blyth said. "I want to put others on notice in the city that if they are planning special functions, they better do it to the letter of the law. Otherwise, they can expect a visit from police, code enforcement, LCE and adult probation."

The earliest the club can reopen is Monday afternoon.

Home