CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – An event center that’s been operating without a permit out of a former drugstore on Madison Street has been shut down by the city, and the owner is now wanted by police.
Royalties Event Center, owned by Natasha Hinton, has been operating at 1493 Madison St., the former location of Eckerd Drugs and Rite-Aid.
In April 2022, then-acting events director of the new business Bennie J. Smith publicly thanked the community for their support and patience as Royalties moved into the building.
“Please know that the transformation from the previous Rite-Aid facility has been tedious and deliberate in order that we may present to you a safe, first class and most enjoyable experience at this venue,” Smith posted on Facebook at the time. “Therefore, all we ask is for your patience as we prepare for our grand opening soon to provide top quality and professional entertainment, cultural arts events and community service to Clarksville and the surrounding communities!”
When reached by Clarksville Now on Thursday, Smith, who lives in Louisville, said that after months of discussion, he never received an actual offer from Hinton, so he didn’t take the job.
The center was touted as a money-making venture for vendors. “Royalties Event Center group is about vendors making money on top of money,” according to the business’ Facebook group.
Open without certificate of occupancy
Despite that the facility never received a certificate of occupancy, Royalties opened their doors and began holding events, apparently as early as January 2023.
When the events came to the city’s attention, Hinton was cited to City Court. On May 25, she was found guilty of operating an assembly without a certificate of occupancy, according to Clarksville Police spokesman Scott Beaubien. The building was not approved for use per International Fire Codes and International Building Codes, and Hinton was advised that she could not hold events there until the building became code compliant.
“Ms. Hinton never corrected the deficiencies, and knew the structure was not fit for use, but continued to rent the facility to numerous unsuspecting customers for events, charging them thousands of dollars,” Beaubien said Thursday.
The business continued to operate for six months until authorities realized they were continuing operation. On Nov. 4, Clarksville Fire Rescue pulled the power to the building.
Safety appears to have been an ongoing concern. A video of a party posted Nov. 22 to the Royalties Event Center LLC Facebook page shows what appears to be an unsecured power cord lying in a pool of liquid next to open beer bottles.
Event organizers paid without knowing
Meanwhile, Smith said he performed an event at Royalties and was never paid the $3,000 he was promised. He said he took Hinton to court and won a default judgment when she didn’t show. He said Hinton now owes him $4,900 after court costs. He said he had to hire a private investigator to track her down in order to serve papers.
“I may not see it,” Smith said. “It’s a hot mess.”
Clarksville Now has attempted to reach Hinton for comment.
Several victims have come forward to police, telling them they had paid money after the May 25 date to use the Royalties Event Center for various functions, including a 15-year-olds quinceañera celebration, a family’s Thanksgiving dinner, and a Vendors Christmas Market.
CPD detectives consulted with the District Attorney’s Office before taking out four theft warrants for Hinton’s arrest, one for each of the known victims since May 25, Beaubien said.
Clarksville Police believe there may be other victims who paid Hinton for the use of the center when she knew it was not compliant or safe for occupancy. She may be continuing to rent the building, and anyone who feels that they are a victim is asked to contact Detective Kurtich at 931-648-0656, ext. 5556.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hinton is also asked to contact Kurtich. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, submit a tip online at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Crime Stoppers website or call the Tipsline, 931-645-8477.
Correction: Bennie J. Smith’s first name was incorrect in an earlier version of this report.