ABCA suspends Charleston nightclub’s license

The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration has suspended the private club license of the Impulse nightclub in downtown Charleston for 10 days following a stabbing near the establishment Sunday morning.

ABCA spokesman Gig Robinson says this is a public safety issue.

“This is a matter of public safety which is of paramount importance. So therefore, the administration deemed it necessary to allow the investigation to be completed. And in the meantime suspend that license.”

Impulse will not be allowed sell or serve alcohol during the suspension. Robinson says the ABCA reserves the right to take further administrative action depending on what the investigation yields.

Charleston Police say Kevin Clemens, 18, from Wexford, Pennsylvania was stabbed twice in the stomach. Investigators say they do have a suspect. Clemens plays football for the University of Charleston.

Those with Impulse say the stabbing had nothing to do with the club. Charleston Mayor Danny Jones disagrees.

Jones says the victim was leaving the club when he was stabbed twice in the stomach. Jones calls Impulse “a crime factory.”

ABCA spokesman Robinson says the agency was made aware of the stabbing minutes after it occurred. He says Impulse has had some problems in the past. He says the 10-day suspension should allow for a cooling off period and for the investigation to be completed.