COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -
Since the deadly New Year's Day shooting at Majestic Sports Bar in Columbus, many have pleaded for the club to be shut down.
"All the violence...How can you enjoy yourself if you have to worry about your safety?" asked Lakesha Powell.
Although there may seem to be plenty of people that agree with Powell, there are others who do not.
We spoke with several younger members of the community who declined to go on camera out of fear of backlash from others, but they say if the club is closed, where would they go to party? They also questioned why the usual hangout spots in South Columbus are being moved out of the area or closed.
Mayor Teresa Tomlinson says history speaks for itself.
We spoke with the property's owner James Weaver over the phone shortly after the shooting. He denied being the owner of the club, thus denying responsibility for what happened.
"I don't own the club any way," Weaver said. "I lease it out. They pay me rent."
Officials say whether Weaver physically runs the club or not, he does own the property.
Mayor Tomlinson says the city will not stop with just revoking the liquor license.
Some are concerned the establishment will simply move down the street or keep its doors under another name as it's done in the past.
Officials say there are certain measures that can be taken to prevent business owners from scamming the system.
This is a copy of the letter the mayor sent to the owner, James Weaver- earlier in the month asking for a meeting to remedy the situation.
Apparently that didn't go as planned. In a second letter, Weaver was notified the mayor is recommending the city revoke his liquor license and eventually take ownership of the building.
The city council will decide on the issue beginning March 12.
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