One-two punch for Knockouts: State files charge against business following city citation

After the city of Albuquerque moved to temporarily shut down Knockouts, the state has delivered another blow against the Downtown strip club.

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department filed several charges against the business, alleging it violated the terms of its liquor license by allowing a minor on licensed premises, distributing alcohol to a minor, selling liquor to someone who already was intoxicated and having insufficient lighting. If found in violation , the club could face fines or the suspension or revocation of its liquor license.

The business will have a chance to address the charges at a hearing tentatively set for Jan. 25. The club did not respond to a voicemail left by the Journal for comment.

The club was the site of a December shooting after a 16-year-old boy entered the 21-and-over club with a fake ID, according to an Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson.

According to the charging document, the club was dark enough to allow a “minor to carry into the licensed premises a .40 S&W caliber semi-automatic firearm with an extended capacity magazine, without detection.”

Another individual was served drinks despite “visible signs of impairment,” as he grew overly “friendly,” “affectionate” and “animated,” leaning on others around the establishment.

A club employee also tried to keep a witness from cooperating with law enforcement, the charging document alleges, telling them to “shut up” or they would “slap” them.

Last week, the city issued a citation to Knockouts after one of the dancers’ ID couldn’t be found on file during an inspection. The club was supposed to shut down Monday but was able to remain open after appealing the citation.

“This is powerful news for our efforts to make downtown safer,” said Mayor Tim Keller in a statement. “We’re encouraged to have the state as a partner in our work to get rid of drivers of crime like Knockouts.”