Station Street Disorder: Night Club Owner Says Neighboring Bars Not Held to Same Standards

By Sam Pena

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WTVC) — A number of fights on Station Street in downtown Chattanooga over the past few months has brought attention to the Blue Light night club, leading to a two-week beer license suspension.

The night club has faced other suspension in the past for disorders.

The Chattanooga Beer Board says Blue Light failed to report a fight on a landline phone, a violation of City Code Section 5-55.

However, Blue Light owner Brian Joyce says neighboring bars are not being held to the same standard, as they also failed to report disorders outside of their establishments.

I expect there to be some equity and some justice," Joyce said.

Joyce revealed a number of videos at Station Street showing fights outside Regan's Place and Westbound, two neighboring businesses.

The fights took place on the 19th and 20th this month and CPD confirmed none of the incidents were reported to 911.

Calandra Smith of the Hamilton County Coalition says any disorderly conduct at a business must be reported or it's a violation of city ordinances.

It is their responsibility, whether it happens inside their property, in the parking lot, on the deck or on the porch, if it's on their premises, they are responsible," Smith said.

Joyce says without an issued citation he feels targeted and is asking the Beer Board to hold other companies accountable.

"The ball is in their court," said Joyce.

We asked CPD if they issued citations to Regan's and Westbound, they say the matter is still under investigation.

Station Street disorder: Night club owner says neighboring bars not held to same standards | WTVC (newschannel9.com)