Weekend chaos on Bardstown Road prompts some businesses to close early

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- After two chaotic weekends on Bardstown Road, some Highlands businesses are cutting back their late-night hours in an effort to keep the peace.

Two weekends in a row, large crowds gathered along the busy entertainment corridor — blocking traffic, dancing on cars and, in one case, leading to arrests. Over Memorial Day weekend, police said around 400 people took over the street. The following weekend, despite increased police patrols in the area, more disturbances were reported.

Louisville Metro Police arrested three people during the second incident — including one juvenile — following a fight near the intersection of Bardstown Road and Eastern Parkway.

“The residents have every right to be upset,” said Aaron Givhan, president of the Highland Commerce Guild. He’s now encouraging local businesses to shut down earlier to help avoid more problems.

So far, Taco Bell and Highlands Tap Room have decided to close at 2 a.m. instead of 4 a.m. — a temporary change both hope will make a difference.

Ti’ant Wyatt, who witnessed one of the street takeovers, is affiliated with Southpaw, the company that owns the Taco Bell on Bardstown Road. He said he saw the situation unfold firsthand — and believes the current path is a dangerous one.

“It’s very dangerous,” Wyatt said. “Everything I saw was something that could’ve turned into a breaking news story — something that could’ve been very sad. We don’t have any lives lost so far. We don’t want any lives lost.”

In addition to cutting hours, Taco Bell is also condensing its parking lot setup to limit how many cars can pull in.

Wyatt believes the 2 a.m. closure is a good step — but said even earlier might be better.

“When you have that nightlife and you mix it together, 2 a.m., 3 a.m., 4 a.m. aren’t very good times to have folks out on these streets,” he said.

LMPD said it will continue to ramp up patrols along Bardstown Road. Meanwhile, the Highland Commerce Guild is also asking businesses to sign a waiver allowing officers to act more freely on private property.

Any permanent changes to business hours in the area would need approval from Louisville Metro Council.

The Commerce Guild said it plans to host a meeting soon with community members and business owners to discuss additional solutions.

Previous Coverage:

Hookah lounge on Bardstown Road near the Highlands closes due to expired license

Businesses frustrated after another 'street takeover' on Bardstown Road near the Highlands

Louisville police to increase weekend patrols in the Highlands after large crowd

Late night crowd temporarily closed Bardstown Road in the Highlands