Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Joseph Johnson, the proprietor of Alabama Bar and Lounge, has received a notice giving him ten days to vacate the premises.
The establishment has drawn significant scrutiny following a fatal shooting incident earlier this year, with local residents expressing their concerns during a county commission meeting in March. Despite this backlash, Johnson remains resolute in his decision to continue operating the bar.
On what began as a typical Tuesday afternoon, Johnson arrived at his bar only to discover the eviction notice posted at the entrance.
“It is impossible for me to find another location in such a short timeframe,” Johnson asserted. “I have six months left on my lease, which runs until October, and I fully intend to adhere to that agreement.”
Feeling bewildered and disheartened, Johnson suspects that he is being unfairly targeted in the aftermath of the shooting and the subsequent complaints voiced by some residents to the county officials.
“The accusations are false, and I have evidence to support that,” he emphasized.
As stated in the eviction notice, Johnson allegedly violated multiple terms of his lease, including engaging in behavior deemed “notorious, offensive, destructive, and excessively loud….”
Johnson argues that the actions of individuals cannot be attributed to his business, questioning, “If someone chooses to use a weapon, how is that my fault?”
Although Johnson aims to remain until his lease concludes, securing a new location poses significant difficulties.
“My reputation has been tarnished,” he lamented. “Finding a new place to operate has been nearly impossible. I have faced rejection over a dozen times following the county commission meeting.”
In light of these developments, Johnson has engaged legal counsel and is prepared to contest the eviction.
Source
www.yahoo.com