Aura Latin Club operator responds after city shuts down business for ‘unlawful activities’

Tim Renaud and Jordan Cioppa

3 hours ago

CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) – A downtown Charleston nightclub is no longer in operation after the city shut down the establishment due to allegations of assault, underage drinking, strip shows and other problems.

Feidin Santana, who had managed the Aura Latin Club for the past few months, responded to News 2’s request for comment on the situation a day after our report on the closure aired.

Santana said he was in the process of purchasing the club in January and although he never became the official owner of the club, he managed the facility.

The City of Charleston Licensing Board voted on June 14 to revoke the business license of Ann Street Brand LLC, the operator of the Aura Latin Club.

The committee cited several reasons for the closure, including illegal activities and the holding of strip shows for which the event was not scheduled in the zone.

Santana said the measure was drastic and claimed they never received any warning from the city about the shows. He said they have worked to ensure Aura’s safety and explained they have a good relationship with local police officers.

He added that the club’s 30 employees suddenly lost their jobs due to the closure.

“We wish we had a chance to talk beforehand about what we could change to meet the city’s standards. We understand that it’s the most diverse club here in Charleston, and it makes you wonder why we didn’t take that approach or why we never received a warning,” Santana said.

Santana was accompanied by community activist Pastor Thomas Dixon, who said the original notice from city attorneys mentioned several incidents, most of which occurred under previous management when the club was still called Deco. He said the strip shows had been going on at Deco for years.

“So why is it that when our Hispanic brother suddenly takes control of this business and tries to provide economic opportunities for people with over 30 employees, suddenly within four months Aura becomes a problem,” said Pastor Dixon.

Feidin clarified that Aura is not part of Ink, although the company’s social media page said they had moved their events to the rooftop of this King Street venue.