Owners of Club Fusion in U-District decide to close troubled nightclub permanently, city says

SEATTLE -- Pressed by city leaders, the owners of Club Fusion have decided to close the troubled nightclub in the University District, Mayor Ed Murray and Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes said Thursday.

"Today’s closure of Club Fusion is good news for the University District. Club Fusion had exhibited a pattern of violent events that made it a public safety hazard for both residents and visitors to the neighborhood," Murray and Holmes said in a joint news release.

"Last week, the city requested an emergency suspension of their liquor license following a shooting that sent two teenagers to the hospital. We are pleased that the owners decided to voluntarily and permanently close Club Fusion.

"Moving forward, we will continue to work with the Seattle Police Department and our partners at the Washington State Liquor Control Board to maintain a safe and vibrant nightlife throughout Seattle," Murray and Holmes said.

The city of Seattle asked the Washington State Liquor Control Board last Friday to issue an emergency suspension of the liquor license for Fusion at 722 NE 45th St., where two shootings have taken place in the past two months.

City Attorney Pete Holmes wrote to WSLCB Director Rick Garza, "Since 2013, Fusion has proven itself to be an emergency public safety hazard. Most recently, two shootings have taken place outside the club, involving club patrons, in the last two months."

Holmes also told Garza that minors were also frequently allowed in the tavern, lounge and other restricted areas, the city said in a news release.

The Seattle Police Department noted that three people were wounded in a gunfight as the club closed the previous weekend.

SPD North Precinct Captain Dave Emerick also sent a letter to the Washington State Liquor Control Board outlining problems with gangs and drugs at Fusion.
"Nearly every Friday and Saturday night I have had to assign officers to be at the club and its surrounding parking lots to control the large crowds and the fights, shootings, and general disturbances occurring there," Emerick wrote.
The letters from Holmes and Emerick can be downloaded here (PDF) and here (PDF).