KC nightclub should lose its liquor license after mass shooting and other incidents

Kansas City’s The 9ine Ultra Lounge, site of a mass shooting that left two people dead and 15 others injured, is in danger of losing its liquor license.

And deservedly so.

Only five months into its existence, the club has quickly established a dangerous reputation, showing little regard for maintaining order or ensuring public safety.

The business was still in its six-month probationary period for new liquor licenses when the Jan. 19 shooting occurred, the latest in a string of incidents at the club involving the police.

“I have concluded my investigation, and I am revoking their probationary license,” said Jim Ready, manager of Kansas City’s Regulated Industries, which issues the city’s business and liquor licenses.

Now, owner Alphonso Hodge, a one-time draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, must gain consent from the majority of the 15 property owners within 250 feet of the establishment if he wants to serve wine, beer and spirits in the future. If property owners decline to provide their approval, Ready will recommend that the city’s Liquor Control Board of Review revoke Hodge’s license.

“We deemed he failed his probationary period,” Ready said.

Hodge did not return calls seeking comment.

While revoking a liquor license is a serious consequence and a near-certain death knell for a nightclub, Ready made the correct decision. The onus is on Hodge or any other business owner to maintain a safe and orderly establishment.

Two shooting incidents in a week fall far short of that standard.

One week before the mass shooting, a drive-by shooting at the club left one man injured. And in less than six months, police were called to the property five times.

The owners of The 9ine Ultra Lounge posted a statement on Facebook offering sympathy and pledging to cooperate with the investigation after the shooting that claimed the life of 25-year-old Raeven Parks, who was mortally wounded as she stood in line outside the nightclub near U.S. Highway 40 and Noland Road.

Jahron Swift, 29, allegedly opened fire on a crowd and shot Parks, police say. An armed security guard fatally shot Swift.

The motive for the attack remained unclear, police said this week. But officers were at the bar on an unrelated call just minutes before the deadly shooting. And a New Year’s Eve party was so out of control, police were called to maintain order.

The club’s Facebook page says its mission is to bring an out-of-town experience to Kansas City nightlife. It’s unclear what town owners had in mind, but they have failed miserably at that — and at providing patrons with even a basic expectation of safety.

Mayhem, criminal mischief and now a mass shooting have made clear that The 9ine Ultra Lounge should lose its liquor license.