City authorities revoke Hurricane Betty’s licenses after a fatal shooting and a series of violations.
Hurricane Betty’s sought leniency from Worcester officials on Thursday, following another tragic shooting incident outside the strip club. However, the establishment was met with the revocation of its liquor and entertainment licenses.
Representatives from the adult entertainment venue located at 350 Southbridge St. pledged extensive security enhancements and management changes following the October 11 shooting that left two men injured, one of whom succumbed to his injuries.
After a thorough assessment of police reports detailing a pattern of alleged infringements, the Worcester Licensing Commission made the decisive vote to revoke the club’s licenses.
“What we have is a deeply troubling report,” stated Chairman Anthony Vigliotti during the proceedings. “It illustrates an alarming disregard for safety, akin to a lawless environment.”
The October shooting marked yet another violent episode in a series of troubling incidents at Hurricane Betty’s. In March 2022, two men were shot nearby, with one fatality. Subsequently, the club faced a 10-day suspension of its license.
Then, in February 2025, law enforcement apprehended a woman who allegedly stabbed a man during a brawl at the venue.
Details of the October 11 Incident
The violence escalated in October with another deadly altercation outside Hurricane Betty’s. During Thursday’s hearing, Worcester Police Sgt. Thomas Needham presented surveillance footage that chronicled the events of that night.
Around 2:01 a.m., shortly after the club was scheduled to close, two patrons exited and became embroiled in a verbal dispute near the entrance. A security guard intervened, but the situation quickly devolved into physical aggression, prompting two additional security guards to assist.
At 2:03 a.m., one participant in the initial confrontation attacked the other with an object. Additional patrons joined in, leading to chaos as security attempted to once again defuse the situation, which spilled onto the sidewalk.
Just three minutes later, another disturbance erupted. “Patrons and security are seen fleeing south along the sidewalk, appearing alarmed,” testified Needham. This coincided with the detection of gunfire by the city’s ShotSpotter system.
Upon their arrival, police discovered Steven Joseph lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency services transported him to a local hospital, where he later died. Another individual suffering from gunshot wounds was subsequently driven to a different hospital.
Documented Violations by Authorities
Needham highlighted a series of alleged violations revealed through the surveillance footage. He noted that the club permitted patrons to enter without ID checks or passing through a metal detector, despite allowing patrons to consume liquor while only possessing a beer and wine license. Additionally, numerous patrons were seen with alcoholic beverages outside the venue.
The club exceeded its designated occupancy, with 62 patrons present while only permitted to accommodate 49, excluding security personnel, bartenders, the DJ, and dancers working that night. Furthermore, surveillance footage revealed patrons continued entering the establishment between 1:45 and 2 a.m., despite the scheduled closure time of 2 a.m.
Notably, no one called law enforcement during the escalating conflict until gunfire erupted.
Family’s Heartbreak
“I believe the evidence is compelling,” remarked Nisha Berry, who identified herself as Steven Joseph’s girlfriend during the hearing. “Their negligence is evident; the club’s management is appalling.”
Berry shared her struggle to manage life with her 4-year-old son, now without a father. She expressed deep concern about financial stability now that her partner, the primary provider, is gone.
She was shocked to see the establishment resume operations the day after the shooting. “They celebrated with a party as I mourned on the ground where my boyfriend had fallen,” she recounted.
Elena Constant Joseph, Steven’s mother, spoke about her son’s aspirations and achievements, a college graduate holding a commercial driver’s license. “I would not wish this tragedy upon any other family,” she urged the commission.
Boston.com has not received a response from the establishment or its legal representation regarding comments on the matter. However, during the hearing, the club’s representatives indicated plans to appeal the decision to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
Chief Editor of Quincy City Beat — Quincy, MA's independent investigative newspaper covering Greater Boston and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts with fearless public accountability and free access for all readers.
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