LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville officials are cracking down on bars for overserving customers and serving those under 21.

One of those bars — 21st in Germantown — was shut down over the weekend due to "serious violations involving underage drinking, overservice and public safety."

Brad Silveria, the director of Louisville's Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control, said just days before investigators showed up at 21st in Germantown, police made a DUI stop on a driver who told officers he left there. The bar at the corner of South Shelby Street and East Burnett Avenue in Germantown is now closed indefinitely, with signs plastered on the doors citing the Emergency Suspension order by Louisville Metro ABC. 

"If you're serving minors in this community then you forfeit your right to have an alcohol license," Silveria said. 

The bar was a known spot for underage drinking and bartenders overserving customers, according to authorities. A former employee, who asked not to be identified, said underage drinkers apparently heard about the bar through word-of-mouth. 

"It was more free pouring. ... I could imagine that would lead to some overserving," he said, adding college students would often frequent the bar. He also and said he's overheard underage people talking about it.

"Sometimes you would hear them say 'Oh we can always go to 21st.'"

After multiple complaints, investigators raided the bar just after midnight Saturday. When Metro ABC detectives arrived, they saw the security guard alert customers and several "apparently underage individuals" to run out of the back exit.

"The bar gave warning to the underage kids on the premises to leave," Silveria said. 

Three people were detained, and Metro ABC said all three were consuming alcohol at 21st in Germantown. They told detectives they traveled to the bar from outside Jefferson County, believing it would give them easy access to alcohol.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the city won't tolerate businesses that violate the law. 

"When bar and restaurant owners don't follow the rules, Brad and his team at ABC are going to take action," he said. 

Now, neighbors are wondering what's next and hoping the right business can do better under new management. 

"I think if we could just have more responsibility in whoever is owning or managing the venue, I think it could be a great spot," a nearby resident said. 

21st in Germantown isn't the first bar to be shut down by ABC for violations. Greenberg said at least three other venues have been shut down this year.

It's unclear right now what happens next for 21st in Germantown. The owner hasn't responded to multiple requests for comment.

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