5 strip mall businesses cited by health district

Adrienne Packer

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

Five businesses in the Commercial Center received memos from the Clark County Health Department on Monday after a nighttime inspection revealed county and health code violations.

Clark County's multiagency task force raided the East Sahara Avenue complex after Metro Police received 387 calls for service during a six-month period. The calls, according to the county, ranged from gunfire to drag racing.

Metro Police officials said that because many of the 154 businesses in the strip mall are open at night, they attract vagrants and gangs.

The county's team assembled to attack urban blight includes representatives from the building, health, public response, social services, neighborhood services and public works departments.

The businesses closed after Friday's inspections include the Apollo Men's Health Club, the Green Door Social Club, Badlands Bar, Banatu Cafe and Ya-Mang Restaurant.

While each received memos from health officials instructing them on how to comply with health codes, none of the businesses will be permitted to reopen until they also address building code violations.

Five other businesses in the complex were cited for violations, but not shut down.

The bar and kitchen were closed at Las Vegas Cue Club because of a lack of hot water. The El Sinaloense, Spotlight Lounge and Cobalt Lounge were cited for health issues. The Karoake Box was also cited for rodent droppings.

Clark County officials said 15 of the 17 businesses also were found in violation of state insurance laws for not having workers compensation insurance.

County spokeswoman Mindy Watkins said if the businesses failed to obtain their insurance by 5 p.m. Monday, they would face a $10,000 fine. She said insurance agents will visit each property today to check for insurance.