Four nightclubs were shut down during the weekend by Vicksburg police who cited a variety of privilege license violations, underage drinking and fights.

“We have started to do spot checks as a result of a couple of incidents in the last few weeks,” police Chief Walter Armstrong said. “Two individuals have been seriously injured in fights in the clubs.”

Shut down in the sweep Friday night were: A-1 Studios at 2106 Washington St.; the Doom Room, 1720 Clay St.; Swag Stars Studios, 1925 Washington St.; and Old School, 2820 Washington St.

The only charges against a person were for the operator of the Doom Room, who was charged with misdemeanor violations including contributing to the delinquency of minors. Six people ages 17 to 20 were charged with underage drinking, said Lt. Bobby Stewart of the Vicksburg Police Department.

“We’re not trying to single out any one place,” Stewart said. “We started on North Washington and went to every place in Vicksburg that’s run as an establishment.”

He said the checks included such lounges as Monsour’s at the Biscuit Company, the Upper End, Beechwood and LD’s.

Police went into two bars where problems had been reported in the weeks prior.

A shooting at the Elks Club at 916 Walnut St. on Dec. 27 left Edward Mazie, 27, no address available, with a wound to the leg. He was treated and released from River Region Medical Center.

Shortly after midnight Jan. 2, police also went into Bottoms Up, 2618 Halls Ferry Road, from where Harry Defrance, 46, 200 Druscilla Lane, had been sent to University Medical Center in Jackson for head trauma after a fight there. Two brothers were arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

In the Friday night sweep, three clubs were shut down for the night and one was ordered closed by a city injunction stemming from the late 1990s after the Board of Mayor and Aldermen said the building at 2106 Washington could never operate again as a nightclub because a killing had occurred there.

“They were charging a cover, had amplified music, were serving alcoholic beverages and they had a deejay,” Stewart said. “According to the ordinance, those elements make it a nightclub.”

Stewart said the business, A-1 Studio, possibly would be allowed to reopen if it shows it is operating as a dance studio instead of a lounge.

Armstrong says the aim of the spot checks is to make sure the clubs are complying with city ordinances and to help curb violence.

“We are not looking to stick around,” Armstrong said. “Once we see everything is up-to-date and safe, we will leave.”