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Owner Calls W.I.P's Closure 'Temporary' After NYPD Shuts Two Clubs

By Jess Wisloski | June 17, 2012 3:27pm
W.I.P., or Work in Progress, nighclub at 34 Vandam Street, on June 15, 2012.
W.I.P., or Work in Progress, nighclub at 34 Vandam Street, on June 15, 2012.
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DNAinfo/Fred Dreier

HUDSON SQUARE — Two popular and swanky bars shut their doors last night, after police said several violations had been found. 

The closures came following a high-profile brawl between hip-hop stars Chris Brown and Drake at one of the clubs, which was reportedly set off by a jab sent from Drake, regarding Brown's ex-girlfriend, singer Rihanna.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne told press Sunday,"W.I.P and Greenhouse were closed as a result of several violations, in a stipulation agreement that was made between the owners and the NYPD." 

A spokeswoman from the police department would not elaborate on what the code violations were.

W.I.P, located at 34 Vandam Street, and Greenhouse, at 150 Varick Street, appear to operate inside the same property, based on building records, but no open violations were found in a Buildings Department search.

The WIP nightclub after a bottle-throwing brawl Thursday morning.
The WIP nightclub after a bottle-throwing brawl Thursday morning.
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Co-owner Barry Mullineaux told DNAinfo.com New York that he didn't expect to stay closed for long, but would not elaborate on the reason for the shutdown.

"It's temporary," said Mullineaux, when reached by phone Sunday. He referred all other questions to his publicist. The publicist said she needed to get more details, and that she had no comment at press time.

The Thursday morning brawl between the superstars, which sent several clubgoers to the hospital, kicked off a debate among city leaders as to whether or not bottle service, whereby patrons may purchase entire bottles of liquor at a usually marked-up price, should be permitted in the city.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn held a press conference Friday, urging an intervention by the NYPD with nightclub owners, to reconsider how bottle service is handled by establishments.