LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's Alcoholic Beverage Control has a new chief of enforcement.
Ronald Fey was sworn in Friday by Deputy Mayor David James.
City officials said Fey will oversee ABC's "regulatory and investigative operations" to ensure businesses are complying with state and local alcohol laws. He will also work with businesses and community partners.
James said Fey "has spent his career protecting and serving Louisville." The Louisville native has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and public safety. After starting his career at Metro Corrections in 1999, Fey served nearly two decades with the Louisville Metro Police Department until his retirement last year, although he continued to work as a part-time officer.
"I am confident he will continue to show that dedication in his new role," James said in a news release. "He understands the importance of balancing strong enforcement with support for businesses that follow the law. It's an honor to swear him in, and I look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership."
Director Brad Silveria, ABC administrator, said Fey's experience "will be instrumental in upholding compliance and ensuring the responsible regulation of alcohol in our city."
In addition to Fey's swearing in, the agency was honored by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg for its "outstanding public service," dedication and leadership during a ceremony in the Mayor's Gallery at Metro Hall.
"What you all do at ABC is (so) important to one of our top priorities, and that's to improve public safety," Greenberg said. "You all really help keep our city safe and so much more to improve the quality of life for neighborhoods in our city."
ABC is the agency that issues and strips licenses to serve alcohol. Last March, Metro Council's Public Safety Committee unanimously passed an ordinance that would give ABC the authority to suspend a liquor license immediately after a shooting at a business. ABC can also send a business to code enforcement if it breaks the rules.
Under the ordinance, a business owner where a violent act happened would get an ABC hearing within three business days.
One establishment that was recently shut down by ABC, Baxter's 942 Bar & Grill, after two people were killed by gunfire in August a couple hundred feet away. Residents had complained to ABC and police about the crowd at Baxter's 942, but the attorney representing the business said there was no evidence those involved in the gunfire went inside the bar that night.
"I feel comfortable we will be successful on appeal," Frank Mascagni, attorney for Baxter's 942 Bar, said.
Mascagni expects a decision on appeal to reopen within a few months, but for now, ABC has his client shut down.
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