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Article Summary
The City of Cincinnati has filed a lawsuit seeking the permanent closure of Memories Lounge following a Nov. 1 shooting that killed 20-year-old employee Kameiro Blair-Martin. The complaint identifies alleged overcrowding, inadequate security and previous safety violations at the Downtown nightclub. The city also wants the establishment’s liquor license revoked. A court decision will determine whether the nightclub can reopen.
The Memories Lounge lawsuit could permanently shut down a Downtown Cincinnati nightclub following a fatal shooting that killed a 20-year-old employee.
The City of Cincinnati filed the lawsuit on Nov. 6, asking a judge to keep the establishment closed over alleged safety violations and repeated incidents of violence.
City calls nightclub a public nuisance
The Memories Lounge lawsuit names the nightclub’s owners, Deandrea Kirkpatrick and Ethan Riesenfeld, along with Memories Lounge LLC and DP 12 LLC.
Filed in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, the lawsuit describes the establishment as a public nuisance. The city wants a court order preventing the business from reopening and seeks the revocation of its liquor license.
Memories Lounge, located in the 30 block of East Seventh Street, has remained closed since the Nov. 1 shooting.
According to court documents, city officials had raised concerns about the nightclub’s operations before the fatal incident. The city alleges that the owners failed to implement recommended safety measures despite repeated discussions.
These measures included introducing a mandatory cover charge, reducing the establishment’s occupancy limit and changing alcohol sales practices. The proposed changes also included increasing drink prices or ending bottle service.
Overcrowding raises safety concerns
One of the central allegations involves overcrowding during the night of the shooting.
According to the lawsuit, Memories Lounge had an approved occupancy limit of 287 people. However, approximately 724 people were reportedly inside the nightclub when the fatal shooting occurred.
The city alleges that the overcrowding delayed emergency medical personnel from reaching the victim.
Court documents also claim that security personnel allowed groups of patrons to enter through a kitchen entrance. This allegedly allowed some individuals to bypass identification and security checks.
The lawsuit further describes concerns about inadequate security practices and the nightclub’s handling of large crowds.
Lawsuit details previous incidents
The city’s complaint also identifies several incidents that allegedly occurred before the fatal shooting.
These include a shooting near the nightclub on April 4, 2026, following a reported altercation involving patrons waiting to enter.
The lawsuit also describes an incident in which two female patrons were allegedly assaulted in a nearby parking lot. The city claims nightclub security personnel subsequently harassed the women as they reported the incident to police.
Other allegations involve underage patrons being served alcohol, violations of indoor smoking restrictions and female patrons becoming unconscious after allegedly consuming alcohol at the establishment.
The lawsuit also references reports of sexual assaults involving women who allegedly left the nightclub while intoxicated.
The city argues that these incidents demonstrate ongoing public safety concerns associated with the business.
Fatal shooting left employee dead
Last November 1, the Cincinnati police responded to the establishment around 1:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Officers found Blair-Martin suffering from a gunshot wound and transported him to UC Medical Center, where he later died.
Authorities identified 20-year-old Deryka Minor as the person who fired the fatal shot.
Minor will not face homicide charges after Cincinnati police and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office determined that the shooting was justified as self-defense. Investigators said Blair-Martin had assaulted her before the shooting.
However, Minor still faces a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon in connection with bringing a firearm into the nightclub.
Court decision will determine nightclub’s future
The lawsuit asks the court to keep Memories Lounge closed and prevent the business from continuing operations until the alleged safety violations and public nuisance conditions are addressed.
The city also seeks to revoke the establishment’s liquor license.
The case places the nightclub’s future under judicial review as Cincinnati officials pursue legal action over the alleged recurring safety problems.
As of Nov. 7, 2026, no final court ruling ordering the nightclub’s permanent closure has been reported. The owners have not publicly responded to requests for comment from local news organizations covering the lawsuit.
The legal proceedings will determine whether the city can secure the requested closure and other remedies.
FAQs
Why is Cincinnati suing Memories Lounge?
The city is seeking to permanently close the nightclub, describing it as a public nuisance. The lawsuit cites alleged overcrowding, inadequate security and repeated safety violations.
What other incidents does the lawsuit mention?
The complaint references previous shootings, fights, alleged assaults, overcrowding and alcohol-related violations. These incidents form part of the city’s argument that the nightclub presents ongoing public safety concerns.
How many people were inside Memories Lounge during the fatal shooting?
According to the lawsuit and reported police estimates, approximately 724 people were inside the nightclub. Its approved occupancy limit was 287 people.
