Hacienda cabaret license denied

Adrienne Packer

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001 | 10:57 a.m.

A Detroit cabaret owner whose family businesses have been plagued with violence and code violations was denied a liquor license Wednesday, essentially ending his bid for a topless club in Clark County.

Max Markovitz sought a license for an adult cabaret on West Hacienda Avenue that he was in the process of buying for $2 million.

His attorney desperately tried to persuade Clark County commissioners, who were acting as the liquor and gaming board, that Max Markovitz's business dealings were separate from those of his son, Alan Markovitz -- whose Detroit cabarets are notorious for shootings and lewd acts.

"I urge you not to visit the sins of the son," attorney Matthew Callister pleaded to the commissioners. "That is the theme of today's presentation."

Although commissioners understood the elder Markovitz helped his son financially but might not have had full control over his clubs, they weren't willing to give Max Markovitz a chance.

"We should exercise our discretion and in a cautious and prudent way deny the (liquor license) privilege," said Commissioner Bruce Woodbury.

Callister said his client has owned adult clubs in the Detroit area since the 1970s and has been cited very few times for violations.

But Metro Police Sgt. Reagan Alexander and Detective Ken Lindsay said clubs in which both Markovitzes have some involvement racked up $42,000 in fines between 1984 and 2000, the largest fine being $300.

Lindsay said crimes have ranged from homicides to drug trafficking to prostitution. Both Alan and Max Markovitz signed a decree saying illegal acts such as simulating sex and lap dancing would stop, but they have since been cited by Detroit police, the detectives said.

"These practices have gone on for a number of years," Lindsay said. "I don't think things will change once they change locations to here."

Callister said Alan Markovitz would have nothing to do with the family's Las Vegas cabaret. The police investigators, however, pointed out that Alan Markovitz has been to town to look at the site and talk to developers about adjacent land.

Alan Markovitz was initially on the application for a liquor license as a key employee, but his name was recently removed.

The receiver for the property at 3510 W. Hacienda Ave. near Valley View Boulevard told business licensing officials he has other offers.