Council decides fate of liquor license applicants recommended for denial

Three of four liquor licenses recommended for denial by committee were ultimately approved by the Crowley City Council Wednesday night.
Last week, the council’s Public Safety Committee recommended denial of the license applications of Fat Boy’s Grocery, Korky’s Food Mart, K&L Grocery and City Bar of Crowley.
Only Fat Boy’s license was denied by the full council.
Only Fat Boy’s failed to have a representative address the council Wednesday with an action plan to curb reports of violence and loitering at the business.
Perhaps the nail in the coffin for the West Second Street business came when, prompted by Alderman Clint Cradeur, Police Chief Jimmy Broussard reported a problem with the application.
According to Broussard, the owner “answered erroneously as to the hiring of anyone with a felony.”
Alderman Vernon “Step” Martin was the only person to speak in favor of the business retaining its license, asking for “a little compassion” from the council.
“Some type of consideration needs to be put forth here,” Martin said, explaining that, if the license is denied, the business must cease all alcohol sales at midnight Dec. 31.
But Alderman Brad Core, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, pointed out that the discrepancy with the application “is not the only problem here, there have been numerous complaints and concerns at this business.”
Cradeur added that the owner is entitled to re-apply at a later date.
Ultimately, only Martin and Byron Wilridge voted against denying the license.
Core, Cradeur, Jeff Cavell, Lyle Fogleman, Steven Premeaux and Kim Stringfellow voted to deny the application.
Alderman Sammy Reggie, who owns a downtown bar, abstained.
The largest delegation of supporters Wednesday night was from City Bar of Crowley.
Owner Chad Monceaux said that he has implemented a number of safety measures at the bar, including:
- the installation of 16 security cameras – eight inside and eight outside;
- additional lighting to illuminate the parking lot and streets;
- hiring off-duty city police on weekends and for other large events;
- purchasing a metal detector wand.
“I’ve been working with the police department further to help deter any trouble,” he added.
But Cavell was not convinced, pointing out that multiple shootings, including one in which four people were injured, have been reported outside the East First Street business during the past year.
Cavell said that the fact that Monceaux only submitted his action plan to the council earlier this week indicates “lack of contrition” on the part of the owner.
However, Core reversed the recommendation of his Public Safety Committee and moved that City Bar’s application be approved.
Cavell and Stringfellow opposed. Reggie abstained.
Concerning Korky’s Food Mart, owner Dan Krueger appealed to council saying that most of the police calls to that location “are from the adjacent property. I have a lot of problems next door.”
But Core said the main complaint concerning the business at 1122 N. Western Ave. is the on-site consumption of alcohol.
“How are you going to handle that?” Core asked. “It’s up to you.”
Krueger said he has posted “No Alcohol Consumption on Premises” signs on his building “but some people just don’t listen.”
Broussard said he has spoken with the owner and “he’s willing to do whatever he needs to do and we’re willing to give him all the assistance we can.”
But Cavell again raised concerns.
“I live three blocks from (Korky’s) and I’ve been there for 18 years. What I see today is what I’ve seen for years,” he said. “This is not a one-time problem. Drinking in the parking lot is what has put this license in jeopardy.”
Rick Villejoin addressed the council saying that his issue is with the council holding businesses accountable for actions when they (business owners) had no idea about the criteria.
But Tom Regan, city attorney, countered, “It is the responsibility of the owners to familiarize themselves with all laws pertinent to their business.”
He went on to say that any violations of the law – not only those directly related to alcohol – are grounds for denial of a license.
Ultimately, Korky’s license was approved by a vote of 8-0 with Reggie abstaining.
Concerning K&L Grocery, Broussard said he had initially recommended denial of the license because of reports of loitering and illegal dice games.
However, he explained that he has since learned that the property on which the loitering and gambling occurred is not owned by the business.
“I’m recommending approval of the license since talking with the owner and learning that he is attempting to move people out from in front of the store,” Broussard said.
Only Stringfellow opposed approval of the license. Reggie abstained.
All licenses are effective Jan. 1, 2022.