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Aug 13, 2008 4:38 pm US/Central
Neighbors Oppose Liquor License For New Nightclub
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
Three south Fort Worth neighborhoods are steaming mad over a new nightclub opening.
'Escapade 2001' is scheduled to open its doors in the next two weeks, but the club may run into trouble with its license to sell alcohol.
The club, located near Interstate-20 and Campus Drive, has applied for a liquor license through the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Three area neighborhood associations have submitted petitions, with nearly 800 signatures, opposing that license.
Residents say the sale of alcohol at a club like Escapade 2001 is inviting trouble into their neighborhoods. Even though access to the club is primarily off the interstate, residents fear club patrons, who've had too much to drink, will find their way onto their residential streets.
Eunice Givens says the only thing between her home and the new club is the railroad track – and that's too close for comfort.
Local resident Beverly Montgomery said, "We have churches here, people and a whole community and all that makes a difference when you have that going on that close."
Protesting residents aren't alone, local city, county and state representatives have also submitted letters of protest to the TABC.
The Highland Hills Recreation Center is located just a few hundred yards from the club, which is in an area zoned for commercial use.
Neighbor Chauquis Kirven, a mother of three, says she respects area concerns, but that the area needs more nightlife. "If Fort Worth wants to grow, we've got to get over our phobia of people driving drunk and start having things for people to do. We want this to be an inviting city." A meeting between the club owner and concerned groups is scheduled for next Monday.
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