Birmingham Council Sends Questions About Controversial Night Club’s Business License to Committee Rather Than Revoking It

The business license of a notorious downtown Birmingham nightclub has been sent to the public safety committee by the City Council for further deliberation due to its close association with high crime rates in the area, as well as additional licensing issues that arose during the hearing.

The Licencing Issue

One of the major points of concern raised in the two-hour public hearing on Tuesday was the nightclub’s liquor license. The controlling entity of CRU Lounge recently shifted from CRU Lounge Birmingham LLC to a group called Gated Family LLC. According to Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, this transition would necessitate the company to reapply for both a liquor and business license. A crucial feature highlighted was that under the new entity, no other party would have authorization with the state.

The Response from CRU Lounge

Reginald McDaniel, the attorney representing CRU Lounge, stated that the organization had not received any official communication from the ABC board about the licensing discrepancy. However, he reassured that the nightclub would comply with the necessary solution as quickly as possible. He stated, “All we ask for is the chance to prove that we can do the right thing going forward.”

The Security Issue

In addition to the licensing concerns, the council debated on the location’s high levels of crime. The city attorney’s office filed a lawsuit against the CRU Lounge’s owners and operators in May, with a request asking a judge to force the establishment to close down because of its reputation for attracting activities such as exhibition driving and other delinquent behavior.

Local Residents Speak Out

Several local residents also participated in the hearing and expressed concern about the safety of the neighborhood when the club is in operation. Daniel Christiansen, the president of the Central City Neighborhood Association, voiced his concerns, stating, “When the wonderful hum of the city turns from joy and happiness and celebration to dangerous driving and weapons display and people unable to walk across the street because the crosswalks are blocked and cars are running red lights, you get an uproar like this.”

Steps Taken by CRU Lounge for Public Safety

Allan Bailey, a representative of CRU Lounge, and his attorney outlined measures they had taken to enhance the safety of the business premises and neighborhood. These steps include limiting Sunday night functions, employing a public safety consultant, developing a safety plan, and ceasing to work with promoters who attract large, rowdy crowds. Allan also reminded the council that the revocation of the license would severely impact not only his livelihood but also the lives of 47 CRU Lounge employees.

The Next Steps

Despite these reassurances, Councilor LaTonya Tate informed Bailey that city leaders expected him to demonstrate a more urgent sense of responsibility for resolving these issues. She told him, “You really need to start over because it appears to me the previous business owner left you in a mess that you clearly do not understand.”

Other Business Undertakings

The council also discussed several other businesses during the meeting, including extending an agreement with Jones Valley Teaching Farm for the Good School Food Program, and the purchase of a property known as the North Birmingham Elementary School from the Birmingham Board of Education for future urban renewal and redevelopment plans.