LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A popular nightclub and bar in the Highlands was denied its renewal to sell alcohol by the city of Louisville.
Baxter's 942 submitted a renewal application to sell alcoholic beverages earlier this month. The nightclub was denied on Tuesday by Louisville's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
"In light of multiple shooting incidents in the vicinity of Baxter’s 942 Bar and Grill in recent months, Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control has made the decision to deny renewal of the establishment’s liquor license," Louisville Metro ABC released in a statement. "Public safety is our top priority, and after careful consideration of the risks posed by continued operation, we have determined that this action is necessary to protect our community. Louisville Metro ABC will continue to work with local establishments to ensure the safety and security of our city’s nightlife."
In August, a triple shooting outside nightclubs on Baxter Avenue in the Highlands killed two people and injured another.
"Based on several factors it is my determination that the issuance of the requested licensed would not be in the public interest of Louisville/Jefferson Metro Government," Alcoholic Beverage Control Director Brad Silveria wrote in reply to the application. "The primary reason for the denial of this license is the repeated acts of violence emanating from events occurring in the vicinity of the licensed premises."
Silveria wrote Baxter's hired "DJ Lil Jerry & Friends" but should have known the dangers associated with hiring the performer.
"I think it was clear that they felt that that particular instance was egregious, but that there was a pattern of behavior that they needed to be concerned about," Councilman Ben Reno-Weber, D-8, said. "I mean, really, this is about having a liquor license in our city, particularly after midnight, is a privilege, not a right."
The city said four known shootings have happened at venues where the performer has played.
"The ABC administrator has determined that renewing this license would not be in the public interest for purposes of health and public safety," Silveria wrote. "Metro ABC has received various communications asking the ABC Administrator to deny this Application."
Baxter's can appeal the denial to the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
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