On September
15, 2006, the Division of Liquor Control rejected the renewal of the liquor
permit for MJ’s, now being operated as Dixie Cowgirls, 5500 North Dixie Drive,
Harrison Township, Montgomery County Ohio. The Montgomery County Prosecutor’s
Office, on behalf of the Harrison Township Trustees, filed objections to and
argued against renewing the liquor license.
During hearings held on March 1, 2006 and July 27, 2006, the Montgomery County
Prosecuting Attorney’s Office presented evidence of unruly crowds, fights,
disorderly conduct, shootings, loud music, drug possession and use, as well as
underage drinking that occur at the bar/nightclub. Additionally, the patrons of
the bar as well as the security guards hired by the bar do not cooperate with
the Sheriff’s Office. Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck said: “To show the problems
that exist, a number of different incidents where the Montgomery County
Sheriff’s Office was called to that location were presented to the Board. This
type of activity infringes on the rights of nearby homeowners and affects the
quality of life in the neighborhood and decreases property values.”
The bar has also been cited for numerous liquor violations, including illegal
sale and/or possession of drugs, unsanitary and filthy conditions, hindering or
obstructing inspection, and permitting gambling or games of chance. These
violations are pending.
The Board denied and rejected the bar’s renewal request for their liquor
license, among other things, because MJ’s “has shown a disregard for the laws,
regulations, or local ordinances of the State, and will operate the permit
business in a manner that demonstrates a disregard for the laws, regulations, or
local ordinances of the State.” In addition, the Board found that the bar “is
so located with respect to the neighborhood that substantial interference with
public decency, sobriety, peace, or good order would result from the issuance of
the permit…” The Board’s denial can be appealed by the bar to the Ohio Liquor
Control Commission within 30 days.
