LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Some business owners in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood are frustrated with large late-night street gatherings they say are hurting their bottom lines and putting staff in difficult situations.
The latest incident happened around 2 a.m. Sunday on East Market Street. Bottles of liquor littering the ground after a crowd gathered in the street could still be seen Monday morning — similar to incidents reported recently in the Highlands and on River Road.
Business owners said crowds often take over sidewalks and even spill into the street, blocking traffic. In each case, Louisville Metro Police and the city’s Alcoholic Beverage Control department have been called to disperse the groups.
“It’s discouraging to kind of see this issue popping up in a lot of neighborhoods around town,” said Susie Hoyt, a Germantown bar owner. “It’s putting bars and restaurants in a difficult position because it looks like they are responsible — when they are not.”
Some bars in the Highlands have reduced their hours to avoid being associated with the gatherings.
“It sucks because it’s harming businesses and really affecting people’s bottom line,” Hoyt said. “It’s really harmful to the employees.”
In a statement to WDRB News, the Nulu Business Association said it has been in communication with both LMPD and the mayor’s office, adding: “We feel that this is out of the businesses’ hands and has become largely a Metro and LMPD issue.”
An LMPD spokesperson said "We will not tolerate these kinds of illegal activities anywhere in our city and will continue to monitor and patrol the area to ensure everyone stays safe."
Those who live and work in Nulu said city leaders need to be more proactive.
LMPD said officers who responded to the gathering early Sunday morning were able to safely disperse the crowd. One person was arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct.
Previous Coverage:
Louisville police stepping up to shut down late-night pop-up parties
Louisville police defuse planned street takeover in NuLu without any arrests
Louisville police shut down illegal 'pop-up party' on River Road
LMPD reports safe night on Bardstown Road after increasing police presence
LMPD increases patrols on Bardstown Road to curb weekend street takeovers
Businesses frustrated after another 'street takeover' on Bardstown Road near the Highlands
Weekend chaos on Bardstown Road prompts some businesses to close early
Louisville police chief vows more visibility in Highlands amid growing safety concerns
LMPD promises larger presence on Bardstown Road amid concerns of more street takeovers
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