Legal Issues
Largely because of its size, popularity, party atmosphere and frequent media coverage, Club La Vela has been subject of several run-ins with the authorities. Occasional troubles with the Bay County sheriff have occurred over the years, with little or no legal action resulting against the club itself or its owners.
That changed in June 2001, when owners Pfeffer, Nolan and Bushwik and club corporate parent Sea Watch of Panama City Beach, Inc. were indicted by a federal grand jury of operating a crack house. The charges stemmed from a raid the previous year on the club. Federal prosecutors intended to use the forfeiture provisions of the law to seize club property, which they were entitled to do before the trial, but elected to wait until a verdict was handed down. The charges were the end result of a five-year investigation of Club La Vela.
At the October 2001 trial, prosecutors showed the jury BlowPops, chewing gum and glow sticks that were seized in the raid. The items were presented as evidence of drug use, despite no evidence of actual drugs. After just more than an hour of deliberation, the jury found the defendants not guilty on all counts.
Despite its legal history, Club La Vela owners claim to maintain a zero tolerance policy in regard to drug use and alcohol sale to or consumption by under-age patrons.
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