Richmond Heights officials are moving to strip a local nightclub of its liquor license after a string of wild incidents, topped by women twerking on a police car that caused real damage. The push comes amid 144 police calls to Parallel Lounge since early 2024, highlighting ongoing safety worries in this Ohio suburb.
City leaders say enough is enough for the spot at Hilltop Plaza, where crowds often spill into trouble. With the license up for renewal in October 2025, council members passed a resolution urging state authorities to deny it, aiming to curb the chaos that has plagued the area.
The Shocking Twerking Incident That Sparked Outrage
Back in late June 2025, Richmond Heights police officers were helping clear the Parallel Lounge parking lot around closing time at 2 a.m. What started as routine crowd control turned bizarre when three women climbed onto a police cruiser’s hood and began dancing and twerking.
The dashcam video captured the moment, showing the group jumping and grinding, which officers say dented the vehicle and caused hundreds of dollars in repairs. Police body cameras also recorded the scene, adding to the evidence that fueled public anger.
Investigators quickly turned to facial recognition tools to identify the women involved. By mid July 2025, authorities issued arrest warrants for two of them, with the third soon after. The case drew national attention, with critics questioning the use of such tech for what some called a minor prank gone wrong.
Charges included criminal mischief and trespassing, as the women refused to leave despite warnings. One woman even claimed the dance was just harmless fun, but police stressed the real cost to taxpayers for fixing the cruiser.
A Long History of Police Calls and Disturbances
Parallel Lounge has been a hotspot for trouble, racking up those 144 calls over about 18 months. Officers respond to everything from fights to noise complaints, often in the early morning hours when the club winds down.
In one March 2024 incident, a late night brawl in the parking lot led to arrests of two women after a dispute that started inside. Police reports detail punches thrown and chaos spilling outside, requiring extra backup to break it up.
Another major event hit in May 2024, when around 20 women clashed in a massive fight, complete with reports of a gunshot. Multiple agencies rushed in to restore order, underscoring how these calls strain local resources.
Here is a quick look at some key disturbances linked to the lounge:
- February 2024: Initial calls for overcrowding and minor disputes set the tone for ongoing issues.
- March 2024: Parking lot fight results in arrests and highlights indoor conflicts spilling out.
- May 2024: Large scale brawl with gunfire report brings in help from nearby departments.
- June 2025: Twerking on police car adds property damage to the growing list.
These repeated visits have cost the city time and money, with police chief noting that officers spend hours on site instead of patrolling elsewhere.
Why City Council Is Taking Action Now
Fed up with the pattern, Richmond Heights City Council voted unanimously on August 30, 2025, to request the Ohio Division of Liquor Control deny the lounge’s permit renewal. Leaders point to public safety as the main driver, saying the bar attracts crowds that lead to violence and disorder.
Mayor and council members argue that revoking the license would reduce crime in the area, which includes nearby shops and homes. They reference state laws allowing such moves when establishments become nuisances.
Business owners at Parallel Lounge have pushed back, claiming many calls are overblown and that they work hard to manage crowds. A spokesperson mentioned added security measures, like extra bouncers and earlier closing times, but critics say it is not enough.
Community meetings have shown mixed views, with some residents cheering the potential shutdown while others worry about job losses for staff.
Broader Impact on the Community and Local Economy
The ongoing drama at Parallel Lounge affects more than just police logs. Neighbors report feeling unsafe, with late night noise and traffic disrupting quiet streets in this Cleveland suburb.
Local businesses at Hilltop Plaza complain of lost customers, as fights scare away shoppers. One nearby store owner said sales dropped 15 percent on weekends due to the club’s reputation.
On the flip side, the lounge employs dozens and draws visitors who spend at other spots. A shutdown could hit the local economy, especially in a post pandemic recovery phase where nightlife spots help boost revenue.
To put the scale in perspective, here is a simple table showing police call trends compared to similar venues in the region:
| Year | Parallel Lounge Calls | Average for Similar Bars in Ohio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 120 | 45 | Surge after reopening events |
| 2025 (through August) | 24 | 15 | Includes high profile twerking case |
| Total | 144 | 60 | Far exceeds norms, per state data |
This data, drawn from public safety reports, shows how Parallel Lounge stands out as a trouble magnet.
Experts in urban planning note that such venues can thrive with better management, but repeated issues often lead to closures. In nearby cities, similar actions have cut crime rates by up to 20 percent in affected areas.
What Happens Next for Parallel Lounge
The state liquor board will review the request in the coming weeks, with a decision expected by late October 2025. If denied, the lounge could appeal or operate without alcohol, but that might doom its business model.
Police plan to monitor the site closely, and any new incidents could strengthen the case against renewal. Owners have hinted at legal challenges, arguing the twerking video was overblown and that facial recognition raises privacy concerns.
For now, the community watches as this saga unfolds, hoping for calmer nights ahead.
What do you think about the city’s push to revoke the license? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and pass this article along to friends following local news.
