Purple Haze liquor license suspended by state following shooting, other crimes

Purple Haze nightclub’s liquor license has been suspended following a recent shooting, according to a news release issued Monday by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

In the release, the TABC said it suspended the downtown club’s liquorby-the-drink license after reviewing criminal activity at the club over the last 24 months, which includes narcotic sales within the establishment, multiple assaults and the Sept. 10 early morning shooting.

“We are very concerned about the recent shooting and the information that we have obtained from the Memphis Police Department, which outlined multiple criminal violations that have occurred on or about the licensee’s premise,” TABC Executive Director Clayton Byrd said in the release.

After the shooting, TABC special agents were sent to Purple Haze to conduct interviews, review surveillance video footage and collect evidence, according to the release. The agents worked with MPD, who provided TABC with information outlining “indictments for felony narcotics violations that stemmed from undercover operations not related to the recent shooting.”

Valerie Morris, president and CEO of Morris Marketing Group, handles media relations for Purple Haze. She said the liquor license suspension did not come as a surprise.

“We understand that because of Purple Haze’s indefinite closure, it’s standard protocol for the TABC to suspend one’s liquor license,” she said.

Morris added that there is still no decision on when, or if, the nightclub will re-open.

A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4, which will allow Purple Haze owners to appeal the TABC’s suspension before it becomes permanent.