It seemed only a matter of time, but the government's indictment of 16 employees of the Gold Club prompted Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell to suspend the club's liquor license.
Alan Begner, attorney lawyer for the nude dancing club said he would seek today a court order to protect its ability to sell alcoholic beverages. Federal prosecutors last week charged the club, owner Steven Kaplan and 15 other people in a sweeping racketeering indictment. The government alleges the club was party to money laundering, prostitution, credit card fraud, loan sharking and police corruption. It also alleges Kaplan and the club are linked to the Gambino crime family. Kaplan has denied all charges.
In yanking the club's liquor license, Mayor Campbell said, "The allegations raised on this business are as serious as any we've had here in history. After careful review of the documentation and based on the recommendations of Atlanta Police Chief [Beverly] Harvard, I am suspending the liquor license of the Gold Club."
Attorney Begner said the nightspot will remain open, although it is barred from pouring alcohol. He said he hopes to get a hearing by Tuesday afternoon on an injunction that would lift the suspension, which he contends was done without a hearing.
"We're in the alcohol business," Begner said. "Alcohol and nude dancing just go together." The city's Licenses and Review Board is scheduled to hear the suspension case on Dec. 8 and make a recommendation to the mayor on whether to revoke the license.
