LITTLE ROCK — A Pine Bluff nightclub that had its liquor license pulled after a fatal shooting was sanctioned Wednesday but was given permission to reopen and resume alcohol sales.
State Alcoholic Beverage Control Division Director Michael Langley found the Three Gables club in Pine Bluff in violation of the state’s “good neighbor” requirement for alcohol permit holders. He fined the club $1,000 and placed it on suspension for six months, with the suspension to be held in abeyance on the condition that the club have no more violations in the next six months.
The club can appeal the director’s decision to the five-member ABC Board. The club’s attorney, Charles Singleton, did not immediately return a call Wednesday afternoon seeking comment.
The club’s alcohol permit had been temporarily suspended by Langley on Nov. 17.
Walter Ashley Jr., 39, was shot and killed in Three Gables’ parking lot on West Pullen Street on Nov. 13. Trammell Moore, 18, and his brother, Joshua Moore, 22, were arrested and charged with one count each of capital murder in Ashley’s death and three counts each of first-degree battery in the non-fatal shootings of three other people outside the club.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Owner Stacey Knott testified at a Nov. 13 hearing that there was nothing the club could have done to prevent the incident. She told reporters at the time that she believed her club had been unfairly singled out for punishment, saying, “There’s been shootings and homicides all over the city.”
Police testified in November that officers have been called to the club more than 140 times this year in response to reports of attempted rape, illegal possession of firearms by felons, disorderly conduct, discharge of firearms and other incidents.
In other news Wednesday, Langley also canceled the permit of Nest Lounge on MacArthur Drive in North Little Rock.
Langley has suspended the club’s permit temporarily Nov. 21 after police went there shortly after 4 a.m. on Nov. 19 and seized cards, dice and three stolen guns. Officers also found people still drinking in the club, which was required by its permit to stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m. The club can appeal the decision to the ABC Board.
The club’s phone number has been disconnected. No listed number could be found Wednesday for owner Gerome Jefferson.