Council Decides on Bar Permits

The City Council this week renewed the entertainment permit of one bar but gave a second tavern 30 days to clean up its act or face losing its permit.

With the council’s decision, the Oak bar can continue to offer live entertainment from a three-piece unamplified band as well as dancing, pool games and dart machines for another year.

But the council said it will consider pulling the Casbah’s entertainment permit in a month if the owner does not address numerous complaints.

Police reported 15 calls to stop alleged fights and acts of indecent exposure at the Casbah from Jan. 26, 1997, to Dec. 11. Neighbors also complained that scantily clad dancers have been seen smoking in the doorway.

The bar’s owner, Eric Bewley, vowed to address the city’s concerns. “I must confess a bit of negligence on my part,” he said. “I’m willing to do anything I possibly can to correct the problems.”