JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council held its regular meeting on July 14, 2025, addressing several key items including a controversial liquor license application, upcoming budget meetings, and formal election certifications.
Liquor License Application Denied Amid Safety Concerns
The council voted down the retail on-premises beer and wine application and lounge liquor license for Brothers Bar & Grille, LLC, operated by Brittney Ridley at 206 Pelham Road South. The decision came after testimony from Alabama State Bureau of Investigation Agent Gary Price and Police Chief Marcus Wood raising significant public safety concerns.
Agent Price detailed a history of violations at the establishment under previous management, including multiple instances of minors consuming alcohol on the premises and a shooting incident that resulted in a patron losing his leg. Chief Wood corroborated these concerns, citing past incidents where 17, 18, and 19-year-olds were found drinking alcohol at the establishment.
The application was voted down unanimously by the council.
Budget Season Begins
City Clerk Albertha Grant presented the proposed budget meeting schedule, with five meetings planned to review the upcoming fiscal year budget. The council also approved rescheduling the August 25 council meeting to August 27 to accommodate the municipal election on August 26.
Pond Pavilion Project Moves Forward
The council approved Amendment No. 1 to JPWP #24-126 for the Public Safety Complex Pond Pavilion project. The amendment increases the project cost by approximately $100,000 beyond the original budget, though a $50,000 T-Mobile grant will help offset expenses. Chief Wood explained that price increases were due to inflation over the nearly two-year timeline and additional general contracting fees not included in the original bid.
Unopposed Election Certifications
The council formally certified five unopposed candidates for the upcoming municipal election:
City Council:
- Andrew Green (Place 1)
- Sherry Laster (Place 4)
Board of Education:
- Ed “Doc” Canady (Place 3)
- Marita Watson (Place 4)
- Jeff Gossett (Place 5)
All candidates ran unopposed and were automatically deemed elected under Alabama law.
Employment and Policy Updates
The council approved the employment of two new police officers: Luke Austin Britton and Kyle Knight, both at Range 18, following promotions within the department.
City HR Director Joy Seijo presented proposed policy changes, including eliminating a step increase for police officers upon academy completion and introducing a non-fraternization policy for city employees. The policies will be reviewed by department heads before final consideration.
Other Business
The council also approved:
- A Memorandum of Understanding with Jacksonville State University Police Department
- Termination of a commercial lease agreement with Heirloom Taco Group, effective August 18, 2025
- Various budget amendments and purchases over $7,500
- Appointment of Josh Barkley as the Mayor’s proxy on the Metropolitan Planning Organization
Community Events Highlighted
Council members praised the recent Jax Fest celebration, noting strong community turnout and positive feedback from residents and visitors. The council also discussed plans for a potential Mayor’s bike ride, inspired by a similar event in Anniston.
During public comments, resident Steve Sewak complained about unrepaired property damage caused by Bama Lawn Masters, expressing frustration that the company had not adequately addressed ruts in city and private property despite previous commitments.
The next council meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2025, which will include a public hearing regarding economic development and Alabama State Constitution Amendment 772.
The Jacksonville City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Jacksonville City Hall.
**The city of Jacksonville released the following statment via FB on July 16th:
“We’ve seen a lot of misinformation in discussions about a City Council decision Monday night to not approve beer and liquor licensing for Brothers bar, one of Jacksonville’s legendary nightlife spots, and want to clarify the reasoning.
In December 2019, there was a shooting at the bar that left a patron injured, eventually losing the use of his leg. In January 2020, the council voted to rescind the business license of the bar’s current owner, in light of the shooting and previous issues with underage drinking.This week, a relative of that business owner applied for alcohol licensing. During our meeting, an officer of the State Board of Investigation asserted that the business owner — who still possesses the property at 206 Pelham Road S — has previously used family members as proxy operators for businesses in other locations where he is no longer legally allowed to operate.Considering his testimony, as well as that of our police chief regarding not only issues with underage drinking but an apparent lack of interest in working with police to correct that problem, the council denied the current license request.We hope this helps those wondering why the city would vote against allowing alcohol sales at the location. Someone else may purchase and open the business again, but the council will continue in its due diligence to ensure safety in our downtown.
We’d also like to point out the Apothecary Draft House and Rock N’ Rooster Saloon, both just about a block away, for those looking for local nightlife spots that have been excellent additions to the community.”
