Riverside County, California- The Riverside fire marshal shut down a bar earlier this month after a weekend raid.
This was the latest in the city’s efforts to crack down on clubs that it considers a threat to public safety.
The Ville, at 1201 University Ave., has been closed until proper exits can be installed, Fire Marshal Perry Halterman said.
City and state officials went to the bar and Italian restaurant on a Friday night about 10 p.m. after hearing that a “Girls Gone Wild” film crew would be working without a permit, according to police. Police stated the club had problems with underage drinking, fights and drunken drivers.
The Ville owner Jesus Roig declined to comment. Representatives for Girls Gone Wild, which sells videos of women exposing themselves, were not available for comment.
City code enforcement officers said they cited seven violations as well as conditional-use permit violations.
State Alcohol Beverage Control officials seized five bottles contaminated with bugs and debris, said Tim Clark, Riverside area district commander. He said larvae commonly are attracted to the sweetness of liquor and die in the bottles.
On Friday, fire officials said, they found violations including blocked exits, improper use of extension cords and an exit sign that did not work, Halterman said.
He went to the club the following Monday and said he found that the patio needs two exits and that it has no legal exits. The indoor area also needs a second approved exit, he said.
Halterman said he told the owner that authorities would work with him so the business can reopen as soon as possible.
