Vegas Nightlife News: IRS Investigates Pure, 2008 Club World Award Noms, Bloody Mary Bar at Revolution
A quick look at the news behind Sin City’s nightclubs:
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Pure Offices Raided By IRS
In a surprise move, the IRS invaded the offices of the Pure Management Group on Wednesday (Feb 20) in an onsite investigation into the club’s finances and reported tax evasion tied to unreported cash transactions by employees.
This is said to include things like tips doormen receive for special treatment by guests looking to gain admission, a practice known as “line-fishing,” and possible “cash for hire” celeb appearances that might not have been properly documented.
Pure nightclub owner-partners Robert Frey and Steve Davidovic have reportedly ordered complete cooperation from their employees in assisting the IRS in their investigation. And while there was some worry that they might have to move the private party for Bette Midler’s grand opening night at Caesars Palace, they got the go-ahead last minute from the IRS to use Pure, as originally planned.
The investigation is expected to last several months, possibly until the end of the year.
In addition to Pure, the Pure Management Group also operates other Vegas hotspots such as LAX and the Pussycat Dolls Lounge.
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Vegas Clubs Receive 2008 Club World Award Nominations
Last week the nominations were revealed for the 2008 Club World Awards and several Vegas clubs racked up nods.
Here’s a quick rundown of the Vegas-centric nominations in the panel-judged categories:
- “Best Superclub” – Pure (Caesars Palace)
- “Best Club” – Jet (Mirage)
- “Best New Venue” – LAX (Luxor) and Tao Beach (The Venetian)
- “Best Lounge” – Blush (Wynn) and Tabu (MGM Grand)
- “Best Video System” – Eyecandy Sound Lounge & Bar (Mandalay Bay) and Jet (Mirage)
- “Best Bottle Service” – Jet (Mirage), Pure (Caesars Palace) and Tao (The Venetian)
- “Best Resident DJ” – DJ Vice (LAX @ Luxor) and Roonie G. (Jet @ Mirage)
- “Best One-Off Collaboration” – Timbaland and DJ AM (Pure @ Caesars Palace)
- “Best Party” – Steven Lockwood’s A/V @ Jet (Mirage)
In the “People’s Choice” categories, which the general public is allowed to vote in, the Empire Ballroom is up for “Best Night Stalker Award” and listed in the “Best DJ Set” category is Bob Sinclair’s LAX launch of “Industry Wednesdays” on Sept. 5. Visit partystrands.com to vote.
The awards will be given out on March 26th during the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida. To view the full list of nominees, visit clubworldawards.com.
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Build Your Own Bloody Mary at The Beatles Revolution Lounge
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about Bloody Mary drinkers is they are very particular as to how spicy their drink is. Some like it mild and others like it to scorch their tongues.
Now the Abbey Road Bar at the Beatles Revolution Lounge at the Mirage is set to cater to those who want their Bloody Marys a certain way with a build-your-own bar every day from noon until 6pm.
Start with your choice of any ten vodkas ranging from $16 to $20. To this you can add either Clamato, tomato or V8 juice, then go to town with the add-ins. Seasonings include everything from the traditional stuff like celery salt and cayenne pepper to fiery habañero Tabasco and wasabi. When the heat is where you like it, garnish with another buffet of items ranging from celery and olives to pickled asparagus and tomolives.
When you’re done, if you don’t like it, you only have yourself to blame.