City asks Minneapolis nightclub to close

The city of Minneapolis has asked the downtown bar Karma to close Friday night after several assaults and robberies in and around the club. The club is in the area of downtown where four men were hit by gunfire in separate incidents last weekend.

Minneapolis police has been called to Karma 165 times since January 2010. It routinely dedicates a dozen patrol officers to the surrounding area.

The city served Karma with a Notice of Public Nuisance in early May. That required the club take steps within 30 days to prevent violence on the property.

In a written statement, Minneapolis said the city now has its own plan to improve safety at the club. City officials met with Karma representatives to recommend the club close immediately for 90 days and put the plan in effect.

Karma representatives have until Tuesday to respond. Calls to the club weren't immediately answered.

Minneapolis city staff are also reviewing Karma's application for renewal of its liquor license. It is expected to make a recommendation to the City Council soon.