City officials close Downtown nightclub with a history of violence

After filing a motion last August to shut down a nightclub with a history of violence, a Franklin County Municipal Court environmental court has won the right to close down The Avalon nightclub. But only temporarily.

Located at 205 N. 5th St., the nightclub has received over 78 police and fire calls for service including a shooting, shots fired, assaults, fights, burglaries, an OVI complaint, and theft. Just last month, CDP responded to shots fired at the premises. Last summer, two security guards were shot and killed while working the doors of the club. 

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“We want Columbus to have a vibrant nightlife, but it needs to be safe,” City Attorney General Zach Klein said in a statement. “The shootings and violent crime we’ve seen at this property are unacceptable… No one should have to deal with that kind of violence in their neighborhood.”

The City alleges violations of court orders, such as not employing licensed security. The Attorney’s office are taking next steps towards making Downtown safer, which include requiring special duty police officers in the club’s parking lot, plus requiring licensed security on-site.

As a result, Avalon is to be shut down for one year following these repeated violations of court orders and violence. 

“Owners cannot violate court orders, continue to see violence and criminal activity, and expect us to allow it,” Attorney General Zach Klein said on Facebook.

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