Lawsuit filed in beating death to send message to club owners

The family of a man beaten to death last year has filed suit against two Philadelphia nightclubs, accusing them of continuing to serve his attackers even when they were drunk.

Kevin Kless, 23, was beaten to death by three men in the Old City section on Jan. 12, 2012. His family is suing G Lounge and Lucy’s Hat Shop, contending the two establishments served Kless’ killers even though two were underage and intoxicated.

Attorney Michael Barrett represents the estate in the case.

“Facilities and institutions serving minors … who are inebriated and intoxicated, to serve them and then they go out on the street and go out and kill someone or kill themselves in a vicious violent way such as here or a traffic accident, the culture has to change,” Barrett said.

The three men have already admitted to the beating and have been sentenced to prison.

Barrett says the suit seeks to hold the bars accountable.

“This will serve as a deterrent,” he said. “Whatever facility serves alcohol will be more careful than they were yesterday and continue to be more careful.”

Calls to G Lounge and Lucy’s Hat Shop seeking comment were not returned.