Judge set to rule on reopening of 708 Bar and Grill

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – A Madison County judge heard arguments from the owners of 708 Bar and Grill and attorneys for the city of Huntsville to decide whether the bar should reopen.

However, Judge Ruth Ann Hall did not rule on the motion.

The city closed the bar in September after what it says were repeated instances of gun violence, drug activity, traffic disruptions and violations of alcohol and zoning laws.

Lawyers for the city of Huntsville filed their official response Monday opposing any attempt to reopen the 708.

“The city didn’t want us to stand up and talk about it. I thought that’s what it was supposed to be, for us to talk about it,” said Malcolm Gopher, owner of 708.

Gopher said there is no need to lock the doors to his business. He claims city officials ignored his call for a police presence as is the case at other establishments in the city.

“You block off a whole block of downtown for Sammy T’s and the Whiskey Barrel, or whatever it’s called, downtown, and you make sure people are safe, but in our neighborhood, you don’t make sure people are safe. I want to know, what’s the difference?” » asked Gopher.

Gopher said the temporary injunction took a heavy financial toll on the company while missing the festivities surrounding Alabama A&M University’s homecoming.

“It’s the biggest weekend of the year for a black vendor, but records show they come every year for reunion,” Gopher said.

The city says the bar owners and their attorney failed to appear at the preliminary injunction hearing despite notice. The bar’s lawyer claims he missed the hearing due to a scheduling error.

Judge Hall said she would rule on the motion immediately, but she did not say when that would be done.

The city said the injunction was intended to protect the community after years of 708-related problems.