Police Shut Down 2 More New York Superclubs

New York police closed down the Sound Factory and Club Exit last Friday (February 7), following extensive undercover investigations into drug sales at both Manhattan superclubs.

Police sources told the New York Post that both clubs' doors could be shuttered permanently, striking a virtual death blow against the cities' once legendary nightlife.

"Thanks to our detectives' hard work, we are sending a clear message to nightclub owners, "Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told the New York Post.

"If you allow illegal drugs to saturate your business and endanger your patrons, we'll shut you down."

The Club Exit closure immediately impacted on local superstar DJ Junior Vasquez, who'd recently been dominating the venue's Saturday nights, spinning from a custom built DJ booth costing a reported $8million dollars. Following the closure, he posted a visual response to the raid on his website, in the shape of a police style baseball cap bearing the logo "NYPD invites you to rest Sunday Morning"

The closure of both clubs, not long after authorities destroyed internationally renowned superclubs Twilo, Tunnel and Limelight, could signal the end for legitimate clubbing in New York, with few investors likely to risk putting more money into nightlife. And with the upcoming RAVE act almost certain to outlaw dancing nationwide, the future for American clubland looks bleak.

"Excess in every field is frowned upon," the Sunday Times reported last month on the new Puritanism sweeping the States.

"Alongside a religious revival and the consolidation of officially sponsored conservatism has come an un-American aversion to old-fashioned enjoyment."
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