By Bryan Bass
The Clark County Office of Business Licenses delivered a double-whammy to Planet Hollywood’s embattled nightclub, Prive, yesterday when it denied its application for a permanent liquor license. The news came hours after the property and the Gaming Control Board finalized a $750,000 fine, $500,000 of which was paid and $250,000 of which was set aside with the caveat of no complaints over the next 12 months and the second portion of the penalty would be waived. Prive, which had been operating under a temporary license since opening, must now close its doors on July 28 because of “the failure to abide by the duties of a liquor licensee as set forth under Clark County Code 8.20.465,” a sentiment echoed on record by license director Jacqueline Holloway, who added, “The evidence of improper management oversight and disregard for the duties of the licensee is overwhelming and points to only one decision: denial of a liquor license." She went on to note that holding a liquor license is a privilege and there are responsibilities that come with that privilege.
The club, operated by Miami’s Opium Group, can appeal the decision within the next 30 days but would have to remain closed during the appeal process. The core investors of the nightclub, including former Mandalay Bay magnate Billy Richardson Sr., who still have yet to be heard from, seemingly have a decision on their hands. According to sources, their deal with Planet Hollywood gives them first right of refusal on the nightclub space should Prive be forced to leave the premises. A source from within the Opium Group also indicated that the large amount of media outlets pushing the demise of Prive might be in for a surprise. The source was adamant the venue would remain open but would not comment on the specifics of how Prive would obtain a liquor license or whose liquor license they would attempt to use. Stay tuned…