PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- After a patron who was ejected from Jovan's Lounge last Friday exchanged fire with a police officer outside the nightclub, the club on Wednesday admitted to two violations against it and remains closed pending a penalty hearing next week.
The Providence Board of Licenses continued the hearing to Monday at 1 p.m.
Representatives of Jovan's Lounge, on Portland Street in Providence, admitted to inability to maintain efficient and affirmative supervision of patrons to maintain order and also admitted to disturbing the peace.
Thomas A. Hanley, the lawyer representing Jovan's Lounge, said at Wednesday's hearing his client felt it was in the establishment's best interest to admit to the allegations.
Hanley said after the hearing that his clients felt there may have been issues at the establishment they were not aware of. He previously told the Providence Journal that if the owner had known of what the police called gang members attending an event at the nightclub last Friday, she would have canceled the event and has canceled events in the past.
On Friday, officers pursued 24-year-old Duvall Carty, who had been ejected from the club. The police have alleged Carty shot at Sgt. Curt Desautels, who returned fire and struck him. Carty was last reported to be in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital.
Hanley said, "it's a very well run club" and that what had happened "was a very unfortunate incident."
Jovan's is one of two clubs in Providence that have had licenses suspended since Saturday following Friday night incidents.