Mobile City Council Revokes License of Controversial Sports Bar

The Mobile City Council voted on October 3, 2023, to revoke the business license of Phat Tuesday Sports Bar, ending a troubled chapter marked by numerous complaints and significant police intervention. The decision follows reports of assaults, noise disturbances, and even a shooting in close proximity to the establishment, raising serious concerns among local residents.

Belinda Perryman, a resident living behind the bar, expressed relief after the vote. She had long been worried about safety issues, stating, “Now I feel safe because it just got out of hand with it.” Perryman highlighted the ongoing disturbances, noting, “If he don’t have no control over it, then who does?” Her home is directly behind the bar, making her particularly vulnerable to its effects.

Bar owner Rick Johnson, who left the council meeting shortly after the vote without comment, has maintained that many of the issues stemmed from incidents outside of his control. His attorney, Josh Briskman, indicated that he and Johnson would explore options for appealing the council’s decision.

During the meeting, Johnson made a final plea to save his business, suggesting that he would be amenable to operational restrictions. He pointed out that the frequent police presence at Phat Tuesday was often due to calls he made himself. “So phone calls shouldn’t matter once you pay taxes,” he argued, emphasizing his commitment to the community.

Ultimately, five of the seven council members supported the decision to revoke the license. The bar must close once the resolution is signed by Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Council President C.J. Small and Councilman Cory Penn abstained from the vote, with Small expressing hope for a compromise. “Some action needed to be taken, because we don’t want to set a precedent across the city,” he stated.

The implications of this decision extend beyond local governance. Nick Lawkis, vice president of government relations at the University of South Alabama, addressed the council, highlighting the bar’s proximity to Children’s and Women’s Hospital, located just 438 feet away. He questioned the safety measures in place, stating, “Would we be questioning this if it was less than 500 feet from an elementary school?” Lawkis underscored the hospital’s vulnerability, referencing the potential dangers posed by stray bullets, particularly near the hospital’s helipad and fuel storage.

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

As Mobile’s community grapples with the fallout from this decision, the case of Phat Tuesday Sports Bar serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding business operations and public safety in urban environments. The council’s action reflects a growing concern for community well-being, illustrating the delicate balance between personal freedoms and the need for safety in residential areas.