Riots result in calls for club's closing After two riots in four days, officials seek permanent closure BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer After two riot incidents within two days of each other last week, Woodbridge Township officials have called for the permanent closing of the Studio 9 restaurant and cocktail lounge on King Georges Road. KATHY CHANG Township officials have called for the closing of the Studio 9 restaurant and cocktail lounge on King Georges Road permanently, after two riot incidents within two days of each other last week. "The burden on the police department is too great," said Mayor John E. McCormac. "We need to keep our police department safe. These have been the worst two incidents with out-of-control crowds." The mayor announced on Monday that township officials have filed a second motion in Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick seeking the immediate closure of Studio 9 after two nights of public disturbances and disorderly behavior. The motion charges that Studio 9 is operating as an illegal nightclub and the continued operation poses a threat to public safety. Additionally, the township alleges that owners and operators of the facility have continually disregarded township ordinances, regulations and building codes, and the facility does not comply with approved plans. The first motion filed late Friday seeking to close the Studio 9 facility was denied by the court. "The administration through the police department and authorized municipal agencies, in concert with the Township Council, is moving swiftly to curtail the illegal and dangerous activities allegedly occurring at Studio 9," said McCormac. Disturbances erupted outside Studio 9 at 1:25 a.m. on Aug. 24 and the early morning hours of Aug. 26. The township police department needed the help of seven neighboring police departments - Carteret, Edison, Metuchen, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Sayreville and South Amboy - to quell the riots. Both nights, the club closed at 3 a.m. All police orders to stop fighting and disperse were ignored, police said. Police observed many assaults taking place and cars being damaged in the parking lot. Fighting was in all the areas of the parking lot - people were on cars fighting and running toward and away from several groups engaged in fighting, police said. At one point during the riot, security told police that additional fighting was taking place in the nearby Syms parking lot, where patrons also park, the police report said. The two nights of disturbances resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals on charges of rioting, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and related violations. "Nightclubs, bars, and entertainment facilities are subject to very stringent regulations," said McCormac. "Illegal and overcrowded conditions, combined with unruly patrons engaged in disorderly behavior, represent a real danger to the public health and safety and stands as a significant quality-of-life issue." For the past 14 months, Studio 9, which is owned by George Forakis and Ariston Enterprises Inc., has been operating with a state-issued ad interim permit. Forakis formerly co-owned the Reo Diner on Amboy Avenue. Calls made to Studio 9 were not returned. The Township Council, which serves as the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) governing board, did not renew Studio 9's liquor license on June 30, 2006, due to the lack of a state tax clearance. As of Aug.7, Studio 9 had paid all the state taxes. The council will hold a public liquor license hearing for Studio 9 to discuss and decide whether or not to renew their liquor license at the Aug. 28 council meeting. Township Clerk John Mitch said that if the council decides not to renew its liquor license, Studio 9 could still exercise other options. The mayor said the administration would continue to investigate and take all appropriate action under its authority to protect the public safety and curtail the use of Studio 9 as a nightclub and gathering place that spawns illegal and dangerous behavior. Township officials said they have filed several charges, which stemmed from six different incidents - Oct. 28, 2006, and this year on Jan. 20, Jan. 27, March 17, May 29 and June 16 - against Studio 9. Mitch said that on five of the different dates, charges of disturbances with immoral conduct and nuisances were filed, and on the last date, charges of serving underage and intoxicated patrons were filed. The Township Building and Construction Department has issued stop work notices and has levied fines in excess of $354,000 for failure to comply with township regulations and ordinances. There will be more charges filed due to the last two incidences, according to township officials. The charges are scheduled to be heard before the Township Council on Sept. 25 in council chambers.