Shively liquor store remains under emergency suspension after deadly shooting last weekend

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Shively liquor store is still waiting to find out what happens next after its liquor license was suspended following a deadly shooting at the business.

Shively Alcoholic Beverage Control issued an emergency suspension of HK Liquors' liquor license Sunday after four men were shot the day before.

According to Shively police, officers responded Saturday at about 3 a.m. to the 3200 block of Ralph Avenue after a report of a shooting. Police said one person died and three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The criminal investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, and Shively police haven't announced any arrests. But Shively ABC agent R.T. Watkins said the agency opened its own independent investigation following the suspension.

"Any time there is a criminal act or any type of violation that happens on an ABC premises, Shively ABC we will go and investigate independent from the police department," Watkins said.

However, Watkins said this is the first ever emergency suspension it has had to issue. He said it is not the agency's "desire" to close businesses down, but that keeping the community safe is the top priority.

"Every alcohol licensee has to work within the bounds of the law and we want to make sure that that's going to happen," he said.

And the shooting isn't the only reason HK Liquors' is under investigation. Watkins said the agency is investigating possible illegal gambling at the store, but the details of those allegations are unclear.

"I can't go into much more detail because it's an ongoing investigation," Watkins said.

A hearing between the store and Shively ABC was scheduled for Friday afternoon, but both sides decided to postpone after hours of negotiation — to "negotiate a little more."

The attorney representing HK Liquors declined an interview, but said the store is working with the city to figure out the best solution.

Watkins said he's making his message clear: this should never happen again.

"We never want people hurt, never want people to lose their life," Watkins said. "So informing, educating, putting up stipulations...you can't guarantee anything, but you can lessen the chances of things like that happening."

The postponed hearing was rescheduled for July 23.