Controversial club makes changes

HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN) - Flashing lights are all too common at Heat Nightclub in Huber Heights.

"It's been everything from shootings to assaults on police officers to noise complaints.  It's really had a substantial impact on the neighborhood as a whole," says city attorney Mike Bly.

Because of the problems, the Ohio Liquor Control Commission denied the owner's request to renew her liquor license.

Jessica Kennedy had a hearing Wednesday to appeal that decision, something the city doesn't want.

"It's really been a drain on city resources.  The police department has had to request assistance from outlying jurisdictions in neighboring communities on numerous instances.  It's been difficult to deal with," explains Bly.

Without a liquor license, the owner has turned it into a teen nightclub.

"The purpose is a place for high school teens to be safe and have fun and meet new people.  Right now, there's no place for teens to go.  Frablez in Centerville closed," comments Jonathan Steel, Heat Nightclub's promotion manager.

And the club is taking steps to stop the violence.

"We're playing a lot more of top 40 and dance music, not just hardcore hip-hop, that would cause a fight typically.  We have security on the clock 24/7.  We're bringing security inside and outside to make sure we don't have any issues," says Steel.

City leaders hope the efforts will clean up the crime but they worry that could change if the commission chooses to give the club a liquor license again.

"I mean, if they were to give it back, I even asked her, are you going to cut us off?  She said no.  The teen thing is a great thing and obviously causing less issues for the community," comments Steel.

The commission will make a decision whether or not to grant the appeal for a liquor license within the next 10 to 14 days.