SPOKANE -- Knitting Factory lovers are still outraged after Spokane Police Chief Frank Straub ordered the concert venue to be shut down for 20 days following a rash of violence in the area.
It is not the first time Spokane Police have used their authority to close a business.
Noel Macapagal is an experienced bar and restaurant owner. He is the man in charge of the sushi and sports bar - The Wave.
He used to own several hot spots, including Uno. One Friday morning in 2009, Macapagal was given immediate notice to close his doors. The police department noted too many fights as the reason for the order.
The bar appealed the notice, and was allowed to reopen three days later. But the damage was done.
Macapagal said the move cost him thousands of dollars, and his reputation. Uno eventually went under.
Before the demise of the business, owners amped up security in the surrounding area. Employees even “policed” the sidewalk and busted jay walkers outside.
“We [had to] go beyond what we should be doing to conduct private business,” Macapagal said. “The Knitting Factory will be faced with the same thing.”
The crackdown on bad behavior outside Uno worked for awhile, but in the end, the business could not overcome their bad rep.
Spokane Police said their new unit dedicated to downtown is committed to working with all businesses to increase security and make the environment as safe as possible.
The team of officers has already meetings with some owners.
