The viral video of a Platinum Premier Gentlemen's Club bouncer beating a patron last year, as well as other violations, cost the Southbridge Street strip club all of its licenses to operate today. However, police found the club open tonight.

The viral video of a Platinum Premier Gentlemen's Club bouncer beating a patron last year, as well as other violations, cost the Southbridge Street strip club all of its licenses to operate today.

The city License Commission this morning revoked the club's entertainment, liquor and common victualer license after a two-hour meeting in City Hall.



Despite the order, police went to the club about 7 p.m. tonight and found it open for business. They ordered the staff to close and will alert the commission about the opening.



Several alleged violations, including overcharging a patron, having employees hinder police investigations, watering down alcohol and the alleged assault of the patron in the bathroom, were discussed in today's hearing.



The commission found the club guilty of all violations.



“This is revolting. It makes me sick every time I see it,” commission member Paul Mullan said after a seven-minute video of the attack was played at the license violation hearing.



Commission member Karon Shea was concerned that other patrons may have been attacked in the past, even though club owner Christopher Stephans told her repeatedly the case involving former club employee Easton Byfield was an isolated incident.



“I don't believe this is the first time,” Ms. Shea said.



The club now has several options to appeal the board's decision. The club's lawyer, Robert J. Hennigan Jr., said all avenues will be reviewed. As of today, the club cannot open. The liquor license revocation can be appealed through the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. The other license revocations must be appealed through the courts.



Mr. Hennigan told the commission Mr. Stephans is a responsible owner and that within days of the video hitting the Internet Mr. Byfield was suspended, then fired.



Mr. Byfield, a former floor host at the club, was videotaped allegedly attacking a patron in May 2010. He and the former club employee who taped the alleged assault have both been charged in court.



“This thing went viral. It is disgusting,” Mr. Stephans told the commission, adding some harsh criticism of Mr. Byfield.