You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Fri, May 18, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.

Federal judge denies Dream Nite Club request to renew liquor license

By AnnArbor.com Staff

Thumbnail image for Dream_Nite_Club_March_2012_b.jpg

A federal court judge on Friday denied a motion for an injunction by Dream Nite Club owners, who were seeking to reverse the non-renewal of their liquor license.

“We believed this motion had absolutely no merit, as the judge has held,” said Ann Arbor City Attorney Stephen Postema.

The nightclub was evicted from its former location on South Fourth Avenue on May 9.

A few days before, on May 4, Dream Nite Club owners filed an “emergency” motion asking the U.S. District Court in Detroit to reverse a March 21 decision of the Ann Arbor City Council to not renew their liquor license.

After an hearing that same day, Judge Paul Borman declined to accept the “immediate temporary restraining order” the owners were seeking in regard to their liquor license. Instead, the judge requested a “further, expedited hearing from both parties,” according to court records.

Court records show V.R. Entertainment - comprised of Vickash Mangray, Jeff Mangray and Moonie Mangray - made several legal mishaps throughout the process.

Two motions were actually filed on May 4, with a slightly different title.

“Aside from this difference in title, the motions are identical,” court records said. “Plaintiff’s counsel made no effort to withdraw the duplicate motion.”

The court subsequently struck one of the motions for docket efficiency.

On May 9, V.R. Entertainment filed two documents entitled “Plaintiff’s response to defendant’s answer.” They had to amend it that it was a reply to a response.

Then instead of a customary five-page reply, V.R. Entertainment filed a 21-page reply.

“The court finds that the arguments raised by defendants … do not warrant a 21-page reply brief,” court records said.

Ultimately, the nightclub didn’t meet any of the legal requirements to get the liquor license back.

The matter will appear again in federal court on May 30, when the judge could dismiss a $3 million lawsuit filed against the city.

Comments

Unusual Suspect

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.

I'm glad the message is being sent that if you run a decent place you can stay, but If you attract a clientele that gets into fights you can take a hike.

Unusual Suspect

Sun, May 20, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.

In this case, I'd be happy to define "decent" as a place that doesn't have nightly brawls outside its doors.

Soothslayer

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 4:45 p.m.

>>> if you run a decent place you can stay Where on Earth would you get that idea? Washtenaw County is all about protecting the interests of property owners and financiers, not at all about "running a decent place".

Eileen

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.

So what's the background story here? Why were they evicted. I hate "news" stories that leave more questions than answers.

Unusual Suspect

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.

I'm hip, a2cents.

a2cents

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.

where have you been?

Skyjockey43

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 11:37 a.m.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

eyesofjustice

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 7 a.m.

The Michigan Liquor Control requires every liquor license to have a address, V.R Entertainment lost the lease after the injunction was filed. Judge Borman could not grant the liquor license to be renewed simply because their was no location to put the liquor license.

Halter

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 2:38 a.m.

As it should be. Goodbye to bad news.

ranger007

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.

These people need to give it up..go away

grimmk

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.

If they have been evicted why do they need one? One word: Justice.