Mobile City Council Shuts Down Phat Tuesday Sports Bar Following Complaints

The Mobile City Council voted on March 5, 2024, to revoke the business license of Phat Tuesday Sports Bar, a decision stemming from numerous complaints and a significant number of police calls linked to the establishment. Residents, particularly those living nearby, expressed relief at the council’s decision, citing concerns over safety, noise, and violent incidents near the bar.

Belinda Perryman, a resident living directly behind the sports bar, highlighted her anxiety over various incidents, including a shooting that occurred close to her home. “Now I feel safe because it just got out of hand with it,” she remarked following the council’s vote. “If he doesn’t have control over it, then who does?” Perryman added that while she regretted the loss of Johnson’s license, the need for peace and safety in the neighborhood was paramount.

In response to the council’s decision, the bar’s owner, Rick Johnson, left the meeting without offering any comments. His attorney, Josh Briskman, indicated that they would be exploring options for an appeal. Johnson made a final attempt to retain his business during the council meeting, suggesting he was open to imposing restrictions on operations. He asserted that many of the police visits to his bar were prompted by calls he himself made, arguing, “So phone calls shouldn’t matter once you pay taxes. This is something that you pay taxes for.”

The council’s decision was backed by a vote of five to two, with only Council President C.J. Small and Councilman Cory Penn abstaining. Small expressed a desire for a compromise, stating, “I felt like some negotiation could have been made and just was trying to be fair across the board.” He emphasized the importance of taking necessary actions while avoiding setting a negative precedent for other businesses in the city.

Concerns about the bar’s impact extended beyond the immediate neighborhood. Nick Lawkis, vice president of government relations at the University of South Alabama, raised alarms regarding the bar’s proximity to Children’s and Women’s Hospital, located just 438 feet away. Lawkis drew a parallel to how the council would respond if the bar were located near an elementary school, suggesting that the hospital deserves similar consideration. He presented a map illustrating the hospital’s location relative to the bar, emphasizing the risks posed by potential violent incidents, including stray bullets.

“This recommendation was not made lightly, and I understand it may not be popular,” said Mayor Sandy Stimpson after the vote. “But my job requires me to make tough decisions with difficult recommendations. I need to prioritize public safety.” He noted that the decision was based on an assessment of the facts and the risks involved for the community.

As the resolution awaits the mayor’s signature, the future of Phat Tuesday Sports Bar remains uncertain, with Johnson and his legal team contemplating their next steps in light of the council’s decision. The outcome marks a significant action by local authorities in response to community concerns about safety and quality of life in the area surrounding the establishment.