Mobile City Council Revokes License of Controversial Sports Bar

The Mobile City Council voted on Tuesday to revoke the business license of Phat Tuesday Sports Bar, following numerous complaints and hundreds of police calls linked to the establishment. This significant decision reflects ongoing community concerns regarding safety, noise, and public disturbances attributed to the bar’s operations.

Residents near the bar expressed relief following the vote. Belinda Perryman, who resides directly behind the establishment, articulated her fears about safety issues, including assaults and noise disturbances. “Now I feel safe because it just got out of hand with it,” she said. Perryman noted that the bar’s owner, Rick Johnson, often claimed the issues were beyond his control. “If he don’t have no control over it, then who does?” she questioned.

Johnson, who left the council meeting without commenting on the decision, had made a last-ditch effort to save his business during the meeting. He proposed accepting operational restrictions but argued that the frequent police presence was largely due to calls he made himself. “So phone calls shouldn’t matter once you pay taxes,” he stated. Five of the seven council members voted in favor of the license revocation, which will take effect once Mayor Sandy Stimpson signs the resolution. Council President C.J. Small and Councilman Cory Penn abstained, with Small expressing a desire for a compromise.

Concerns from the community were echoed by Nick Lawkis, vice president of government relations at the University of South Alabama. He highlighted the bar’s proximity to Children’s and Women’s Hospital, located just 438 feet away. “Would we be questioning this if it was less than 500 feet from an elementary school?” Lawkis asked, emphasizing the potential risks posed to patients and hospital staff. He presented maps to the council that illustrated the bar’s location relative to the hospital, including the presence of a helipad and nearby fuel storage.

The council’s decision was not made lightly. After the vote, a council member stated, “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.” The member underscored that public safety was the priority and that the decision was based on assessed risks following community complaints.

As the business prepares to close its doors, Johnson’s attorney, Josh Briskman, indicated that he and his client would explore options for an appeal. The situation continues to highlight the delicate balance local governments must maintain between supporting businesses and ensuring community safety.