StarBar Raleigh Temporarily Shut Down After Nuisance Abatement Action
One of Raleigh’s popular nightlife spots has officially been temporary shut down after years of violence, shootings, fights, and alleged criminal activity pushed law enforcement to finally pull the plug.
According to officials, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) teamed up with the Raleigh Police Department in April 2026 to launch a civil nuisance abatement action against StarBar, located at 1731 Trawick Road in Raleigh.
As a result of the joint investigation, Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins signed a Temporary Restraining Order against the owners and operators of the business — forcing the club to immediately close its doors.
Authorities say StarBar had become a magnet for crime for years.
Investigators revealed the business racked up a disturbing history of controlled substance violations, violent fights, assaults, and repeated shootings on the property. Police reportedly responded to 15 separate shooting incidents connected to the location since July 2020.
ALE agents say they conducted multiple investigations into illegal activity tied to the business over the years. Those findings were serious enough for the North Carolina ABC Commission to revoke StarBar’s alcohol permits not once — but TWICE — in both 2020 and again in 2025.
Officials say the problems never stopped.
“Through a strong partnership between ALE, the Raleigh Police Department, and the City of Raleigh, we were able to clearly document and establish a long-standing pattern of nuisance activity at this location,” ALE Director Bryan House said in a statement.
House went on to say North Carolina nuisance abatement laws allow authorities to crack down on businesses that allegedly become safe havens for persistent violence and criminal activity.
“The repeated incidents coupled with a lack of responsible oversight at this business created conditions that the residents of Raleigh should not have to endure,” House added.
Under the court order, StarBar is now prohibited from operating while the case moves forward. The restraining order also blocks the sale of the property and orders all nuisance-related criminal activity tied to the location to cease immediately.
A preliminary injunction hearing is expected within the next 10 days, where a judge will determine whether the property should face permanent restrictions or if it can legally continue operating in the future.
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce also praised the coordinated effort between local and state law enforcement agencies.
“I am grateful for the exceptional contributions of our public safety partners, whose dedication and commitment throughout this case exemplify the core value of collaboration in modern law enforcement,” Boyce said.
Authorities say the investigation falls under Chapter 19 of the North Carolina General Statutes, which defines nuisance activity as repeated criminal conduct including drug violations, recurring violence, breaches of peace, and ABC-related offenses.
ALE remains the lead agency responsible for enforcing North Carolina’s alcohol, tobacco, gambling, lottery, and nuisance abatement laws.
For now, the lights are officially out at StarBar.
