Board of Licenses meets to discuss fate of troubled nightclub

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The Providence nightclub at the center of a murder investigation will stay closed as the Board of Licenses continues their discussions on the troubled club’s fate.

The city is pushing to close Club Seven on Spruce Street after 28-year-old Stephen Cabral Andrade was fatally beaten and stabbed outside the club on June 30. The victim’s family sat in the hearing on Wednesday, holding photos of Stephen.

The club’s owner faced the board, and his attorney, Nick Hemond, moved to dismiss the matter.

“They don’t have the evidence to connect my client’s establishment to the tragedy that occurred, essentially two city blocks away and around the corner on Atwells Avenue,” said Hemond.

“Just the virtue of being a patron of the place doesn’t make the place liable for the crimes of those patrons once they leave.”

The Board denied the motion, calling up witnesses from Providence Police Department.

“The victim and at least three of his friends were at club seven,” said Providence Police Detective Theodore Michael.

Two officers testified, saying the group of suspects was seen entering the club, and although the club was denied an entertainment license in June, music was blasting.

“We’ve addressed with the owner themselves about how loud the music is on numerous occasions,” Police Sergeant David Tejada said.

So far, Police have only acquired surveillance video from outside the club, but they’re using a search warrant to get Cox Communications to give them video from inside.

Hemond said he thinks Club Seven will end up having to take this case to the state level.

“I don’t foresee an outcome that does not involve revocation here and having to go to the [Department of Business Regulation],” he said.

Police said they have warrants out for the arrest of three remaining suspects, and they’re working on identifying a fourth.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019