City Revokes Nightclub’s Permits

The party’s over at the Stargate nightclub, which had been plagued by all-too-frequent fights and gang violence, according to police.

After a lengthy hearing, the Thousand Oaks City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to revoke the Stargate’s permits for dancing and alcohol, upholding a decision by the Planning Commission.

Lawyers for the Stargate appealed the commission’s decision to the council, saying they had not had a chance to defend the club against the police complaints.

Ventura County sheriff’s deputies said the Stargate--one of the only nightclubs in Thousand Oaks--had gotten completely out of hand, with even the security guards accused of violent behavior. About 100 people were involved in one brawl, police said.

But Stargate management argued that police have exaggerated the problems. They said the establishment suffered from no more incidents than any other nightclub. Moreover, they contended that the club had become much more sedate since the Planning Commission voted to revoke its permits.

Police disagreed and council members sided with them, saying the complaints were simply too extensive to be unfounded.