The last successful nightclub Frederick experienced was Xhale, a notorious establishment that was home to many wild nights. It opened in 1991 and was shut down in 2000 by surrounding neighbors through a civil suit. Since then, Frederick has never had a spot like it.
Why don’t clubs last in Frederick?
Downtown is decorated with bars and pubs with DJs sprinkled around some nights; there may even be a 4×4 dance floor here and there, but nothing with the nightclub atmosphere and vibe.
So what happened?
Violence
During its run, the Frederick Police Department was dispatched to Xhale 1,160 times. There were reports of gun violence, assaults, drunken and disorderly conduct — the usual activity associated with nightclubs.
The solution? Top notch security. Metal detectors, pat downs, and thorough surveillance of the parking lot and other high traffic areas in the vicinity where patrons lounge after last call.
Frederick is for families. But kids grow up.
Frederick didn’t think this one through; the city has been doing everything it can to fight the growing number of young adults who wanna party. We used to be their kids, once. They have tried to shoo us down the road to DC and Baltimore for a good time but who wants to drive an hour back home after a long night?
The historic Downtown Frederick feel clashes with clubs and the urban scene that is desperately trying to find footing here. The Frederick image is important to its homegrown residents: conservative, family-friendly suburbia. But there should be a place for everyone, right?
Legal Loopholes
During its reign, Xhale went toe to toe with the Frederick County Liquor Board, and the city government over noise ordinances, location, liquor licensing, and the list goes on. It was unclear how Xhale violated which laws and codes with plenty finger pointing to go around that ultimately resulted in the club’s demise.
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All in all, Frederick needs to liven up its nightlife and expand to other areas of the city, not just downtown. The city is a melting pot with diverse interests but the town has yet to reflect that. What do you think? Does Frederick need another club(s)?