MEPA— Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva's renovation of the former Nell's space into a modern supper club are still ongoing, but the blog ChiChi212 recently visited the construction site and reports, "the space will blow your mind. This will, by leaps and bounds, be the hottest venue in New York." Meanwhile the duo recently opened a second version of Butter in Charlotte. [ChiChi212]
WEST VILLAGE— A tipster tells Eater that Serge Becker and his La Esquina team are shopping for real estate in the West Village, and apparently have made an offer on a building that would be right in Becker's wheelhouse. Nothing has been signed as of yet. [EaterWire]
ATLANTIC CITY— From the Annals of Crime watch, a woman visiting Atlantic City was just having a drink or two at Herman's Place on Saturday night when she was accidentally shot. Luckily the woman suffered minor injuries because, as her doctors said, "my love handles saved my life." Eat up, America. [MSNBC]
MIDTOWN— In yet another blow to the area, Touch nightclub has been closed down by the State Liquor Authority. The SLA has cited the club for underage liquor sales, numerous assaults, employment of an unlicensed bouncer, noise infractions, and dangerous conditions due to overcrowding. Touch's owner, Muhamet Nikezi, denies the charges, telling the Post, "we are being persecuted simply for being a nightclub." [NY Post]
TAX MAN— The Department of Health is considering increasing taxes on alcohol again, hoping that the new tax will not only increase revenue, it will also help reduce drinking and booze related crime and health problems. However, there is no official proposal on the table. Yet. [NYDN]
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Axl Rose at Rose Bar courtesy of A Medium Format