Club dances through code loophole

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Owners of a former bar denied a permit to open a dance club for young adults apparently have found a way around the city of Albuquerque and are promising to open next month.

And that has angered neighbors who thought the issue was settled three weeks ago after they raised concerns about drugs, underage drinking and crime around the former Pulse nightclub on Central Avenue at Montclaire Drive SE.

“We have nothing to do with the process anymore.” Nob Hill neighbor James Prasek told KRQE News 13. “We've been sidestepped.”

Prasek and others opposed to the alcohol-free club thought the city snuffed the plan by denying a dance permit.

But Tuesday afternoon work crews started renovating the interior of the former nightclub.

And a Web site advertises the UV Nightclub as "ABQ's only 18+ non-alcoholic private dance club and social venue."

“We're ready to go,” owner Jon Chavez told News 13. “We're going to open in December.”

To get there the club sidestepped the denial and original plan and now will open as a private club for members only. It will charge a one-time $10 membership fee plus a $10 cover charge for every visit.

“We were advised that this would be a way that we could open without a public dance permit,” Chavez said.

And that advice is solid, according to the city.

“Because it is one of the exemptions, the public dance regulations do not apply,” Code Enforcement Division Manager Matt Conrad said.

Still UV Nightclub many not won’t open without a fight from neighbors.

“What if we have to file a civil lawsuit to keep it closed?” asked James Prasek adding he would offer better than a 50-50 chance of the club opening next month.

Chavez said there is nothing standing in the way of opening the second or third week of December.

He promised the owners will run a tight ship and said that anyone breaking the law or club rules will lose their membership.

He also said the club will have extra security to enforce the rules.