Steps taken against ‘nuisance’ bar

A Pelham bar is one step closer to being closed by the state after a Caswell County judge signed a temporary restraining order for a Chapter 19 “nuisance abatement” action.

Signed by Superior Court Judge John Morris, the temporary restraining order is against the owners and operators of N.V. Lounge at 510 Nunnally Road, a release from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety says. An order under Chapter 19 of North Carolina General Statutes is brought by the district attorney on behalf of the state. The statute defines “nuisance” activities and provides for a civil remedy to stop criminal acts and their ill effects on a community.

“For years, this location has served as a hot spot for criminal activity, constantly draining law enforcement resources, negatively impacting the community and fostering criminal behavior,” Caswell County Sheriff Tony Durden said in the release. “We are hopeful to work with all parties involved to abate this nuisance and return peace to this community.”

This investigation began with a collective decision between the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office and county officials and grew to include North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement.

ALE agents and Caswell County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant April 27 at N.V. Lounge, the release says. They seized 10 guns, one of which was stolen, and ALE special agents charged several people with multiple felonies and misdemeanors. During the investigation, it was determined that narcotics and alcohol violations were taking place there.

N.V. Lounge holds beer, wine and mixed-drink ABC permits, Special Agent William Happoldt, public information office for ALE, said.

A violation report also will be submitted to the NC ABC Commission, the release says, which could result in fines, suspension or revocation of the permits, or both.

Pelham is an unincorporated community just south of the North Carolina-Virginia state line.