The Reno Police Department is seeking to revoke the business and privileged licenses of the downtown nightclub Eden. City officials, in a Sept. 17 memo to council members, cited escalating criminal activity and code violations.
Located at 219 West Second St., city staff said Eden has become the epicenter of violent crimes and disturbances since January, prompting increased police presence and surveillance in the area.
Violent incidents at the club include shootings, assaults with deadly weapons, sexual assaults and various firearm-related calls, according to RPD. Other issues range from parking problems to DUIs and hit-and-run accidents.
On Aug. 31, an alcohol compliance operation resulted in three staff members being cited for eight misdemeanors related to allowing entry to and serving alcohol to underage patrons.
An incident occurred on Sept. 1, when officers responded to a possible kidnapping near the club. Surveillance footage showed a male suspect, recognized from an earlier business check at Eden, forcing a female into a vehicle after a chase.
“This appears to possibly be related to sex trafficking,” according to a police report.
On May 19, a video depicting a physical fight outside Eden went viral on social media. Later that night, an Eden employee was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon after being caught on video with a pistol during another altercation.
Wolfgang Welch, the owner of Eden, met with RPD on May 20 to discuss potential improvements. Suggestions included enhanced lighting, restructuring admission lines and improving employee management.
“Wolfgang appeared receptive to the feedback at that time but has taken minimal steps to improve the safety of his customers or the public,” city staff noted.
The club has also accumulated several code violations. Since December 2023, Eden has been cited for issues ranging from exterior blight to violations of its special use permit. As of Sept. 6, Eden owed about $5,000 to the city in unpaid code citations. Additionally, the club faces a $100 fine from Business License Compliance for selling alcohol to a minor.
“Investigations of the complaints and responses to issues have required excess resources that exceed those used or needed by other businesses in the area,” city officials stated.
RPD and Code Enforcement are jointly requesting an order to show cause hearing for the revocation of Eden’s licenses.
The club’s license suspension began Sept. 22 and will last 30 days while the club complies with city requirements.
Source: City of Reno
