Mobile City Council Votes to Close Problematic Sports Bar

The Mobile City Council has voted to revoke the business license of the Phat Tuesday Sports Bar, following a series of complaints and police incidents linked to the establishment. The council’s decision on October 3, 2023, will force the bar to cease operations once Mayor Sandy Stimpson signs the resolution.

Residents living near the bar, including Belinda Perryman, expressed relief at the decision. Perryman, who resides directly behind the sports bar, described her concerns about noise, parking violations, and even a shooting that occurred in close proximity to her home. “Now I feel safe because it just got out of hand with it,” she stated after the council’s vote. She emphasized the need for peace and safety in her neighborhood, noting, “I hate that he lost his license, but we just needed peace and safety.”

Bar owner Rick Johnson did not comment after the vote but has previously maintained that many issues raised were beyond his control. His attorney, Josh Briskman, indicated they would explore options for an appeal. During the council meeting, Johnson attempted to defend his business, suggesting he would accept new operational restrictions. He argued that many police calls were initiated by him in an effort to manage the situation effectively. “So phone calls shouldn’t matter once you pay taxes,” he remarked.

Five of the council’s seven members supported the license revocation, with C.J. Small and Cory Penn abstaining from the vote. Small expressed disappointment at not reaching a compromise, saying, “Some action needed to be taken because we don’t want to set a precedent across the city.”

Concerns regarding the bar’s impact extended beyond local residents. Nick Lawkis, vice president of government relations at the University of South Alabama, highlighted potential risks to patients and staff at the nearby Children’s and Women’s Hospital, located just 438 feet away. He questioned why the proximity to a children’s hospital should be treated differently than that of an elementary school, stating, “Imagine what a stray bullet would do to 25,000 gallons of fuel,” referencing a nearby helipad and fuel storage.

In addressing the council, Lawkis underscored the importance of public safety, stating, “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.” His comments reflect a broader concern about the bar’s impact on the community, particularly in relation to the hospital.

The council’s decision marks a significant action in response to ongoing safety issues associated with the Phat Tuesday Sports Bar. As the community processes the implications of this closure, the council’s focus on public safety remains paramount.