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StumblePrive enlists lawyer with connections in fight for liquor license
Sun file photo
The Prive nightclub at Planet Hollywood.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 | 2 a.m.
Related Document
Sun Archives
- County rejects Prive's appeal for temporary license (7-28-2009)
- Big fine establishes hard line on nightclubs (7-27-2009)
- Liquor license rejections force Planet Hollywood clubs to close (7-23-2009)
- Next to gaming board, other enforcers look like pushovers (7-15-2009)
- Planet Hollywood to pay $750,000 fine over Prive (7-12-2009)
Sun Coverage
Beyond the Sun
As Prive nightclub seeks to regain its liquor license, it will rely on the formidable skills of attorney Jay Brown, who over three decades has earned a reputation as an influential advocate in local government circles.
Brown’s hiring by the club has led some to cast the licensing fight, which the Clark County Commission will consider Tuesday, as a classic case of juice versus justice.
Brown is friendly and familiar with, and respected by, most local politicians, including county commissioners. He’s a former law partner of Mayor Oscar Goodman’s and is a longtime friend of Sen. Harry Reid.
But commissioners contacted by the Sun said it’s not the reputation of the messenger, but the merits of the message that will decide the case.
“I have not been greased, nor will I be greased,” Commissioner Tom Collins said. “Jay Brown puts his pants on a leg at a time just like the rest of us. All I can promise is to do what is right by the law.”
Brown couldn’t be reached for comment.
The county denied Prive a permanent liquor license last week, after the Gaming Control Board slapped Planet Hollywood with a $500,000 fine to settle claims the casino knew or should have known about illegal acts — drug use, underage drinking and assault — at Prive. As part of the settlement, the casino admitted to the acts.
The county Business License Department denied Tuesday the club’s request to operate with a temporary license until an appeal of its license revocation could be heard. That action has forced the club to close.
The hearing before the commission will involve Metro Police and county licensing officials giving their account of what has gone on in the club. The club’s representatives, in this case Brown, will present a case for a liquor license, likely involving personnel changes and safeguards to prevent future problems.
Commissioner Steve Sisolak said he takes “very seriously” the Gaming Control Board’s actions.
“These are major allegations,” he said, adding that “no one has come and talked to me beforehand.”
“When they do come to the board, they will have a lot of explaining to do ... and they are going to have to have some pretty compelling arguments” to persuade him to vote to grant the club a permanent liquor license, he said. “Gaming and tourism is our No. 1 industry, and if someone in that industry is not acting responsibly, that’s a real problem.”
Commissioner Larry Brown said part of the commission’s job is to protect the reputation of the tourism industry. Nightclubs overall appear to be operating within the law, but “poorly run clubs in town ... take away from the majority of those clubs and casinos that are doing everything by the book.”
The accusations against Prive “are very, very serious,” he added.
Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said she will be open-minded, but noted that she has seen instances in which those with power to put someone out of business overshot their authority.
“I believe in aggressive discipline and if the owner doesn’t take those steps then that’s a different story,” she said. “But if you’ve taken steps to do everything, and then another governmental body comes in to take your license — well, I just have to listen very carefully.”
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you forgot to mention that Prive's investors are Bill Richardson Sr. and his son Billy Richardson who used to run the Luxor and Mandalay Bay. Do you think for one minute they will allow for their license to be taken?? Everyone will finally see if people can truly be greased. If the Vegas of old is alive and well.
Hey all. Tune in to today's (July 29) rebroadcasts of "Face to Face with Jon Ralston" at 11am and 3pm on Channel 19. We talk with the attorney representing Planet Hollywood and with an author who detailed the evolution of the sex industry in Las Vegas.
And on today's Face to Face, we'll talk with County Commissioner Steve Sisolak and County Manager Virginia Valentine. We may ask about Prive and the county's response. That's at 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 8:00pm.
How ironic, the same guys who were instrumental in the Steve Davidovichi, Pure Nightclub IRS tax scandal, are themselves involved in improprieties. I wonder what Greg Jarmolowich and Frank Tucker have to say for themselves and their actions now. Let me guess, they never do wrong, All former employees are just disgruntled because they were terminated. They :-), do everything by the book. If this is true, then Las Vegas is a family themed town.
2 bad the workers there r now going 2 b thrust n 2 a tailspin w/regards 2 thier employment/$ earning situation.sounds like the vip hosts were getting ripped off.nightly pat-downs.even the porters.would it b possible that prives mgmt mite have been conducting illegal search and seizures.a clear violation of 4th amendment rights.this' starting 2 get interesting.