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Nightclubs Feeling Pressure Following Shootings

(CBS) – The city's Law Department is taking action against a Chicago nightclub, which was recently the scene of several shootings.

Meanwhile, some popular clubs say they're being pressured to cancel parties in the wake of other violent outbreaks.

CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports Hearts Night Club in Goose Island has had its liquor license revoked for seven days.

The city's Liquor Commission said the business operation poses a threat to the welfare of the community. The city will present additional information at a hearing later this month.

Chicago club owners and promoters say they're feeling pressure after recent shootings.

At the Near North Side club Bodi, a man was shot outside early Sunday. Another man was found dead from a gunshot wound in the alley.

On Wednesday, at Hearts Night Club, four men were shot.

In response to this, club managers like Teddy Gilmore say owners have been asked to no longer host urban parties.

"All the events were shut down yesterday. There was not one African-American event in the downtown area," says Gilmore, manager at Nouveau.

Sources tell CBS 2 club owners have been told to be mindful of using certain promoters to book concerts or parties that can bring violent patrons -- primarily gang members and drug dealers -– to their clubs.

"Following the shootings at Hearts and the shootings at Bodi, the city reacted," Gilmore says.

Social media has been buzzing about the move. One Tweet said clubs are closing due to the violence and killing.

Anthony Lindsey, an event coordinator of nearly two decades, posted a message on Instagram, saying in part, "Everyone can't be allowed entrance."

"You have to be on a list to even attend a party. And being on a list means you have to know someone in order to get on that list. You can't just show up, and that way you can actually help filter some of the people that you might not want to be there," he says.

On Friday, Chicago police said they are not part of any crackdown on urban parties at downtown clubs.

Sources say club owners and promoters are being pressured from community leaders to take action.

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