LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A popular bar and nightclub in the Highlands shut down by the city last year could be back in business.

Last year, Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control denied Baxter 942's liquor license renewal request, citing a pattern of violence in the area.

The Bardstown Road bar has been closed temporarily ever since, appealing the denial of their license renewal requests. Baxter's 942 owner Kevin Strnatka called the denial "insulting," and said his business was not involved in any violence.

"It’s absolutely insulting. We had nothing to do with any of these murders. They didn’t happen here," Strnatka said in an exclusive interview with WDRB last October. "If somebody got murdered in my building, I would shut it down myself."

The city’s ABC director, Brad Silveria, said that the decision to deny the renewal was based on the recent violence and complaints from neighboring businesses and residents.

But the bar's attorney Frank Mascagni, argued the business was being unfairly targeted and singled out for crimes that occurred outside of its premises, and appealed Louisville ABC's decision in Frankfort back in February.

Tuesday, the state ruled in favor of Baxter's. The Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet ruled Silveria "abused his discretion when he erroneously, unreasonably, and arbitrarily denied" the bar's liquor license renewal.

ABC originally argued last November that a Baxter's DJ, DJ Lil Jerry, was connected to a few separate shootings that happened about 200 yards from the bar. Jerry held a news conference at the time and said the allegations connecting him to the shootings were 100% false.

"Both events occurred a half a block away and they weren't on our premises, so on balance he said they didn't have the preponderance of the evidence, or proof of substantial proof, and that he was erroneous and unlawful in denying our license," Mascagni said Tuesday, calling the ruling a "pretty strong opinion."

The state order recommends ABC reissue the bar its licenses. The city has 15 days to file exceptions, then the full ABC state board will make a final decision. Mascagni said he's confident Baxter's 942 will be able to open again in about a month.

Previous Coverage: 

Baxter's 942 battles to reopen after Louisville Metro ABC denies liquor license renewal

Baxter's 942 appeals liquor license denial, claims discrimination

Highlands nightclub Baxter's 942 denied renewal to serve alcohol by city of Louisville

Neighbors call for more safety measures amid violence surrounding Louisville's bar scene

Louisville judge denies request by Café 360 shooter to dismiss murder charge based on self-defense

2 dead, 1 injured following Sunday morning shooting on Baxter Avenue in the Highlands

Bardstown Road bar closes after months of investigations, complaints from residents

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