Va. revokes licenses from Newport News nightclub

The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control yesterday revoked the mixed beverage and wine and beer licenses of a Newport News night club, The Alley.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference had sent a busload of citizens to Richmond for a May 19 hearing at the ABC headquarters on whether to shut down the nightclub.

Spokesmen suggested the club was being targeted because it caters to black customers.

But the ABC Board found there had been numerous violations, including an assault and battery on a police officer at the club. On four occasions between December 2007 and last September, fights occurred at the club, the ABC investigation found.

Neal Insley, a lawyer representing the club, said the owner will appeal the decision to the Newport News Circuit Court.

-- Tyler Whitley