We reported on Tuesday that D.C. government had temporarily suspended the liquor license of Kili’s Kafe on 8th Street after an early morning shooting wounded four men. The Post reported on the incident which finally sparked the suspension, as well as two other killings — one in June and one in November — that occured near the club and have created an air of tension between the club owners and police and neighborhood groups.

Today we received word that the city’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration has voted to summarily suspend the club’s license. The decision has sparked discussion on a variety of neighborhood listservs. Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham praised the decision in an email to constituents where he wrote: “This action by the ABC Board is to be commended. It provides needed relief to the neighbors in the vicinity of the club who, for far too long, have had their quality of life adversely affected by this operation.” Graham also made a point to note that the club had been the subject of 99 police calls in the two years it has been open.

Responding to inquiries on the U Street News email list, ABRA’s Director of Operations Jeff Coudriet wrote that “until and if the ABC Board takes further action, the license suspension stays in effect,” writing that if the club appeals the decision there will be ample time for community input.

Interestingly, the suspension this week follows speculation and rumors from last week that Kili’s had been scheduled to be padlocked and shut down due to proceedings involving the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for D.C. (those rumors never panned out).

Do you live in the neighborhood? Should Kili’s be closed as a result of crime occuring nearby?