Owner of Spire says the nightclub has complied with the rules for coronavirus infection

Sunday around 12:30 officers went to the nightclub in 1720 Main St. sent to downtown Houston, citing reports of a large gathering. Upon arrival, units were waiting in line for an estimated 200 people outside the club. In addition to the crowd outside, the club exceeded its capacity within the company, Houston police said.

Truesdell said the club exceeded capacity after customers rushed outside an unguarded back door.

The club hosted an event on Saturday night called the All Black Affair, according to the club’s website. Larry Morrow, Trey Songz, Kenny Burns and Fabolous were listed on a poster as some of the striking personalities expected to appear at the event. Officials said some visitors from San Antonio and New Orleans traveled to attend.

“When a few artists showed up, people behind them, their neighborhoods and just people in the street bombed the doors and the firefighter was at our office,” Truesdell said.

Truesdell said the firefighter was present to make sure the club did not exceed its dedicated lineup. The building may have a maximum capacity of 1,200 people, Truesdell said. Under Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-32, the club may open 50% of its maximum capacity – 600 customers. Truesdell added that club security, after the crowd stormed in with a back door, could not keep up with the number of people in the building.

He said at that point the firefighter decided to close the club for the night.

“She was not comfortable with the amount of people who bombed the door and came in,” Truesdell said. ‘We did not count it properly, exactly, because when she got there, we counted properly. Our score was in line with what it should have been when she was there. We would never have been bombed if our Harris County sheriffs had worked that night. ‘

To stop the crowd, Truesdell said security had placed a barrier at the door. It violated the fire code as it limited the number of safe exits in an emergency.

“It does not provide a safe exit for people to leave the club,” Truesdell said. “That’s why we’re locked up.”

Truesdell said the club was cited for the offense.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said in a prepared statement on Monday that it was “investigating” the events that took place at Club Spire over the weekend. If the investigation finds evidence of an offense, the agency may impose a fine as set out in GA-32. In the meantime, we will continue to work with our local partners in the city of Houston and Harris County to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. ”

According to the agency, Spire was earlier suspended for violating the governor’s executive order:

• First suspension – 1-9 July 2020

• Second suspension – 20-23 October 2020

Enforcement of occupation restrictions has remained a tense topic since its implementation, and some have questioned whether authorities are enforcing the rules.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Monday he is not only focused on closing a business, but will do so if it encourages events that could spread COVID-19.

Turner added the city will closely monitor area businesses.

“I want to let people know, different clubs and pubs, Washington Avenue, you’re up to date,” Turner said. “I’m telling you ahead of time.”

The Harris County sheriff did not respond to a request for comment.