Mobile City Council Revokes License of Controversial Sports Bar

The Mobile City Council voted on Tuesday to revoke the business license of the Phat Tuesday Sports Bar, a decision prompted by numerous complaints and hundreds of police calls linked to the establishment. This action follows ongoing concerns from local residents, particularly regarding issues of safety, noise, and public disturbances.

Belinda Perryman, a resident living directly behind the bar, expressed relief after the vote. She stated, “Now I feel safe because it just got out of hand with it. And if he don’t have no control over it, then who does?” Perryman highlighted her fears surrounding assaults, noise disturbances, parking violations, and even a shooting that occurred nearby.

Bar owner Rick Johnson maintained that many of the incidents reported were outside of his control. After the council’s decision, he left the meeting without commenting. His attorney, Josh Briskman, indicated that they would explore options for appealing the decision.

During the council meeting, Johnson had made a final attempt to save his business, proposing that he would accept operational restrictions. He argued that the frequent police presence at his bar was often a result of calls he had made himself. “So phone calls shouldn’t matter once you pay taxes,” he asserted.

The council’s vote saw five of the seven members in favor of revoking the license, necessitating the bar to close once Mayor Sandy Stimpson signs the resolution. Council President C.J. Small and Councilman Cory Penn abstained from the vote. Small expressed hope for a compromise, stating, “I felt like some negotiation could have been made and just was trying to be fair across the board.”

The proximity of the bar to significant local landmarks also played a role in the council’s decision. Nick Lawkis, vice president of government relations at the University of South Alabama, raised concerns about the bar’s impact on patients and staff at the nearby Children’s and Women’s Hospital, which is located just 438 feet away. Lawkis questioned why the hospital should be treated differently than a school, emphasizing the potential dangers associated with disturbances in the area.

“Imagine what a stray bullet would do to 25,000 gallons of fuel,” he noted, referencing a fuel storage area near the hospital. His comments highlighted the serious safety considerations that influenced the council’s decision.

Council members acknowledged the difficult nature of their decision. One member remarked, “This recommendation was not made lightly, and I understand it may not be popular. But my job requires me to make tough decisions with difficult recommendations. … I need to prioritize public safety.”

The revocation of the bar’s license marks a significant move by the Mobile City Council to address ongoing public safety issues. The decision reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of local residents and the surrounding community.