Minneapolis cracks down on alleged illegal nightclub, owners after deadly shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - A deadly shooting in the early morning hours of July 3 brought new scrutiny on the unlicensed Ruby Lounge at Seven Corners in Minneapolis. 

Chanel Futrell lost her 18-year old son Darrah Host that night after she claims he attended a rap concert inside what now appears to be an illegal nightclub sandwiched between Bullwinkle’s Saloon and the Jewel of India restaurant on S. Washington Avenue. Promotional flyers touting concerts and dance parties at the Ruby Lounge going back several years can still be found on its social media sites.

“He was loved and supported,” Futrell told Fox 9 after the shooting. “My son was not that type of kid. Not into gangs or selling drugs, shootouts [or] carrying guns. He was really a good kid, really trying to find his way.”

Hours after Host was killed, Minneapolis shut down the Ruby Lounge for not having a license. Now, there is more fallout for the owners, who also operate and manage Bullwinkle’s and the Indian restaurant next door.

Star Investments, Inc. is facing hundreds of dollars in fines for alleged violations, including operating an unlicensed venue and the failure of security to manage crowds outside Bullwinkle’s before the shooting. Licensing officials suggest there is video evidence to back up their findings.

While there is an appeal period, the city still has the authority to take further action up to and including revoking a business’ license to operate.