21st in Germantown reaches settlement with Metro ABC after underage drinking violations

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control reached a settlement agreement with 21st in Germantown following multiple violations.

21st in Germantown was shut down on June 8, 2025, due to "serious violations involving underage drinking, overservice and public safety."

Investigators saw a security guard alert customers and several "apparently underage individuals" to run out the back exit. The individuals were caught and admitted they come there because it's a known spot for underage drinking.

Under the agreement, 21st in Germantown will be closed for 30 days and will be open no later than 2 a.m. once it reopens. The bar plans to reopen July 9.

"This resolution sets a strong precedent for how we will handle future violations involving public safety and underage drinking," Brad Silveria, director of Louisville Metro ABC, said in a news release. "We take these matters seriously and will continue to hold establishments accountable when they fail to operate responsibly."

The business pleaded guilty to the violations and will pay a total of $10,000 in fines, along with an additional $31,000 held in abeyance for one year contingent on compliance.

According to a news release, all staff members are required to complete the STAR responsible alcohol service training provided by the state.

"We expect all Louisville bar owners to follow the law and help us keep the community safe, and when that doesn’t happen there should be consequences," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a news release. "I’m pleased that this owner is accepting responsibility for the violations, and I’m confident they will correct these issues going forward."

But some people who live nearby the bar are concerned about underage drinking and overserving customers.

"If somebody's already drunk walking in you should just say 'No, we can't serve you,'" Dakota White said. "I just hope that they learn from their mistakes and take a clearer focus on that."

Another neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, said bar patrons were often loud, staggered out of the establishment and threw things.

Louisville bar shut down for underage drinking, arrest of 'severely impaired' driver