Tempe Venue Closed, Owner Arrested

The owner of The Clubhouse music venue in Tempe, Ariz., was arrested March 9, one week after a gang-related shootout left 16 people injured. Four days later, word began circulating the club was closed.

Shows already booked at the venue were being moved to other venues at press time. Upcoming shows included Ting Tings, Prong, Orgy and Slaughterhouse.

Eugenia Ruven, who faces a misdemeanor charge of violating the venue’s security plan, was cited and released after police investigators determined The Clubhouse was “inconsistent” in maintaining security staff, as well as preventing loitering and drinking in the club’s parking lot, Lt. Mike Horn told the Arizona Republic.

“We’re not seeing them taking the steps they need to take,” he said. “We have some concerns.”

The venue has “clearly not been following” the security plan, which includes posting signs prohibiting alcohol consumption and loitering, requiring security cameras at sales points, entrances and patios, a 6-foot barrier between underage patrons and others, according to the paper.

The club’s security plan was revoked by city officials after the shooting, which occurred outside the Clubhouse as some 300 concertgoers awaited entry to see rapper Nipsy Hussle. Ruven may appeal the revocation.

Hussle, who was identified by Tempe police as a Crips gang member, released a statement denouncing the shooting, adding he was in a hotel room when the shootout took place.

One suspected shooter has been arrested and police continue to search for two additional suspects.