Cahoots' attorney says controversial bar may stay open without liquor license

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - Police have called the Highlands bar a "public nuisance," and neighbors have complained about lax security and rowdy customers.

Last Tuesday, Louisville Metro ABC issued an order suspending Cahoots' liquor license starting in late-November.

Within the same week, the city decided not to renew it, citing two years of violations of various rules. The bar's liquor license expired Saturday night.

"My understanding is (the owner) intends to stay open, and if she can survive without serving liquor, she intends to do that," said attorney Thomas Clay, who is representing the owner of Cahoots.

A sign posted on Cahoots says its open 1-4 p.m. on weekends, but the bar was dark Sunday afternoon.

Owner Marcia Cain was inside, but declined to comment on her plans.

Clay says the place has been open for more than a decade.

"I don't think she's gonna give up," he said. "I've gotten to know Ms. Cain pretty well, and I don't think she's the kind of person going to just throw in the towel."

Some nearby business owners have expressed frustration with the bar.

The owner of Global Tech talked to WDRB in late-August, describing fights, drug activity and vandalism on the block.

"I think this is the worst thing I've done in my life, opening business on this street," Osama Alkhateeb said.

Clay says he plans to take action to get the business' liquor license back.

It's still unclear what will happen in the meantime.

"The problem is predicting what's going to happen when patrons come in there and they expect to be able to buy liquor, and she can't serve them," Clay said. "And that's going to be the real test - if people want to maintain the loyalty to Cahoots without being able to have liquor served to them."

Clay points out employees rely on working at Cahoots.

He says he plans to appeal both the suspension and the denied liquor license renewal.