Strong Partnerships Key to Safer City

The past weekend’s tragic shootings of two young Montgomery adults and the wounding of six others brings up questions about when and why the City of Montgomery can revoke a business license.

Montgomery businesses of any kind that become hotspots for criminal activity are subject to closure for the safety of the people who live here. City Clerk Brenda Blalock said sometimes the closures may involve ongoing complaints from neighborhood residents, but a single shooting incident is often enough to justify council action.

The Montgomery City Council will set up an ad hoc committee to review a business that may be considered a public safety risk. “We will not tolerate violent behavior in establishments in the City of Montgomery and will do whatever necessary to stop it,” said Montgomery City Council President Charles Jinright.

When the City Council objects to a license, it takes into account how that business affects the surrounding area. Among the factors considered are how often law enforcement responds to problems there and how its neighbors view the establishment.

The Montgomery City Council will send the business a certified letter for what is called a “show cause hearing.” The business then has an opportunity to show why it should stay open. The business can have an attorney present and bring as many witnesses as they choose. The business owner has the opportunity to appeal the decision made in the hearing to Circuit Court. Sometimes business owners may surrender their licenses voluntarily.

A business owner’s liquor license is a separate matter. These licenses are issued and revoked by the Alabama Beverage Control board. The best way to keep a liquor license is simply to comply with the law. ABC Enforcement and MPD work closely together on these types of public safety issues. Owners can comply with the law by not selling to minors, not selling after-hours or to intoxicated persons. Other conditions require the nightclub operator not to run an unsafe or unsanitary business and to self-report violent incidents.

The Montgomery Police Department is a community resource available to all individuals and businesses. Businesses are encouraged to utilize this resource to the full advantage. Through the Community Policing Bureau, MPD can work with the business owner for a security assessment or any other public safety concern.

Like any other public safety issue, the key is partnership. The response to this weekend’s shooting was a true collaboration involving the Mayor, City Council, the City Legal Department, and the Montgomery Department of Public Safety, including Montgomery Police and Fire departments, and ABC Enforcement.

All of these groups working together, along with an alert and engaged community, will make Montgomery a safer place to live and work.