Monarch Lounge owner breaks silence on recent Short North shootings

After two shootings and a stabbing outside of his club in the span of just three days, Monarch Lounge owner Shawn Shahnazi is speaking out on the incidents for the first time.

According to ABC6, Shahnazi called the shootings “unfortunate,” and said he is thankful they were not deadly. He also says he has been in contact with both of the victims.

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Shahnazi reportedly plans to meet with officials from the City Attorney’s office on Thursday. According to City Attorney Zach Klein, records show several dozen calls for police service have been made to the business since it opened. The report also suggests that Klein would consider closing the establishment as a public nuisance if a solution to the violence cannot be reached.

In his conversation with ABC6, Shahnazi points to business practices in place at Monarch such as a 1:55 AM “last call” and the presence of off duty police officers. He also suggests that food vendors who are permitted to stay open on the streets after the clubs close are a contributing factor in the recent violence in the area.

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