Prive to remain closed while it appeals denial of liquor license

Prive nightclub won't be able to re-open while it appeals the denial of its liquor license, which means the club will be closed until at least Tuesday.

That's the decision from Clark County Business License Director Jacqueline Holloway, who today reviewed the club's plans to reduce instances of illegal drug use, lewd sexual behavior, alcohol abuse detailed in a complaint earlier this month from the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Last week Holloway denied Prive's attempt at a permanent liquor license as well as an extention of existing licenses to sell booze at the club and at the Living Room, an adjoining lounge.

The license for Prive was set to expire at midnight Tuesday and the Living Room license is good until midnight Thursday.

On Tuesday the Clark County Board of Commissioners will consider the issue.

Planet Hollywood, the casino resort that leases space to Prive owners Opium Group, has already agreed to pay a $500,000 fine for not properly overseeing the club. An Opium spokeswoman did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment, and phone numbers to Opium's Miami headquarters listed on the company's Web site were not in service.

County spokesman Erik Pappa said the unusual decision to deny the licenses was prompted by offenses so blatant they were obvious to regulators and investigators who visited the club. Pappa also said unwillingness by club security to allow authorities unfettered access also played a role.

"Those are the kinds of things that caught everyone's attention," Pappa said.

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861.