Nightclub Reopening Contingent on Promise to Fix Security Flaws

A city regulatory board will allow a District nightclub to reopen for a two-week probationary period to give the owners a chance to overhaul security, nearly two weeks after violence outside the club left a patron dead.

The District's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board voted unanimously yesterday that the H2O Restaurant and Lounge must close by 1:30 a.m., upgrade its security cameras and enhance training of security officers. The police department is to review the measures.

On June 20, the board plans another hearing to determine whether the nightclub can remain open under the new guidelines or whether more restrictions are needed.

"We have discovered serious deficiencies with security that could be dramatically improved," said Charles A. Burger, chairman of the board. "These deficiencies have to be corrected. We're not playing with public safety here."

Roderic L. Woodson, an attorney for H2O and a former ABC board chairman, said that the security measures will "enhance the safety of its patrons and its community."

The board's review was spurred by a fatal shooting May 27 at the club. Nelson Able, 39, was shot about a block away after a confrontation in the club. Rashod Holmes, a professional boxing sparring partner, was charged with first-degree murder in the case.

Holmes, 28, told investigators that an argument over a spilled bottle of champagne started about 3:45 a.m. in the VIP room. The board had previously ordered the 42,000-square-foot club to close by 3 a.m. Holmes told police he carried a gun but was permitted to walk around a metal detector because the club's security detail recognized him.

H2O, located at 800 Water St. SW, is one the District's largest nightclubs, with as many as 2,000 customers on Friday and Saturday nights. It has been closed since the shooting. D.C. officials, led by Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, have urged the board to revoke its liquor license.

H2O's primary owner, Abdul Khanu, said he would eliminate the VIP room and special security line, and require all club members to pass through screenings in the same line.

"The VIP room is where we have most of our issues and problems," Khanu told the board. "Every room will now be open to everyone."

Khanu also said he would add a third level of security at the door -- a pat-down and a screening with an electronic wand, as well as metal detectors. The club also would designate a room in which patrons involved in conflicts can cool off before security officers escort them from the club.

Khanu said he would double to six the number of uniformed officers hired to patrol outside of the club on weekends. The officers are paid $56 an hour.

The board pressed Khanu to ensure that the security changes are implemented. "You have made a lot of promises here," board member Mital M. Gandhi said. "We'll see if you follow through on those promises."