Avondale Lounge Updates Age Requirements After Recent Incidents
In a bid to enhance safety and improve the atmosphere at their establishment, the owners of DZire Lounge in Avondale, a community tucked away in Birmingham, Alabama, have announced new age restrictions for their patrons. Starting this week, the age requirement will rise to 25 for women and 30 for men. This decision comes after a spate of troubling incidents that have raised concerns about the lounge’s environment.
A Night to Remember
Meme Williams, one of the owners, recounted a previous alumni event hosted at DZire last week that took an unexpected turn. According to Williams, everything was “going smoothly” until an uninvited crowd of younger guests arrived, which quickly changed the vibe of the night. “At one point, they were standing all in our chairs on the patio, sneaking bottles in and trying to smoke marijuana,” said Williams. The atmosphere prompted them to turn the music down and switch to blues in hopes of pacifying the situation.
The Incident Outside
Despite the adjustments, things escalated when tensions spilled outside, leading to a confrontation that left an impression on both Williams and her business partner, Mario Billingsley. “A fight broke out right outside our doors between a young woman and another man,” Williams described. “I just saw a young lady beating on her boyfriend. When I tried to step in and deescalate, she punched me, and my arm is still bruised now.” Ultimately, the young woman was arrested, highlighting the challenges the lounge faces in maintaining a safe environment.
Concerns Heightened by Recent Events
The recent altercation follows a more tragic event, a mass shooting that occurred in the Five Points South area, which has further influenced the owners’ decision-making. The emotional toll of this incident is evident, with Williams recalling how their daughter was present at another venue, Hush, during the chaos. “That played a big part in it. I’m still dealing with those issues,” she admitted, revealing the fear and anxiety the incident caused her family.
Business Decisions for a Safer Future
Both owners believe that addressing these safety concerns is crucial for the lounge’s future. Billingsley stated, “Now, some of this is part of the business, where we are taking these steps to try to protect our brand.” They are committed to ensuring that DZire remains a welcoming space for their community. “If we still have issues with the new changes, we will make the age limit 30 and up for both men and women.”
A Focus on Community
Williams emphasized their desire to maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all patrons. “I just want to keep our customers safe, happy, and having a good time. We are family here, and we treat everybody like family,” she said, underlining the importance of community in their lounge.
The lounge will be monitoring the impact of the new age requirements closely. While change can be challenging, the owners of DZire believe that these adjustments will ultimately contribute to a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.
As Avondale continues to thrive as a destination for dining and entertainment, the stakeholders in the community remain hopeful that efforts such as these can pave the way for a safer social environment. With the dedication and implementation of precautions, the owners of DZire aim to keep their establishment a cherished spot for families and friends alike.
