Controversial Bardstown Road bar at the center of neighborhood complaints closes

Afrokanza Lounge, a Bardstown Road bar that drew large crowds along with contempt from some Highlands neighbors, has shut down.

The bar, at 1578 Bardstown Road, announced Monday on social media it was closing "effective immediately," in a statement thanking employees and customers who had frequented the location.

No reason for the closure was listed in the social media post. But in a statement from the business' email account, Afrokanza confirmed it is permanently closed and said it was no longer possible to remain open "due to constant harassment from the neighborhood and the neighbors."

Management does not plan to continue operating at the location or in Louisville, the email said.

Afrokanza opened in late 2021 , with then-Mayor Greg Fischer praising its effort to "bring even more multiculturalism to Bardstown Road." It aimed to bring Caribbean and African culture to Deer Park and the Highlands community.

Controversy followed, though. Three people were shot outside the bar in July 2023, according to Louisville Metro Police, with Ricky Kemp, 31, dying from his injuries. Frank Jones III, 26, was charged with murder and two counts of assault the following January, with his case still pending in Jefferson Circuit Court.

Residents raised concerns about activity at the bar at a neighborhood meeting with Metro Council members in August 2023, and the city followed by announcing it would enforce a "zero tolerance policy" on noise violations moving forward.

After a homicide in March at neighboring Café 360 , the city confirmed last month it was seeking to ban the two bars' liquor licenses due to "Criminal Activity Nuisance Violation." At the time, Metro ABC Director Brad Silveria told The Courier Journal the department had "substantiated complaints of a disorderly premises and other violations" following a monthslong investigation.

Metro Councilman Ben Reno-Weber represents the district where Afrokanza is located and fielded concerns from residents at the neighborhood meeting last summer. In an email Monday afternoon, he said he values local businesses and is "dedicated to supporting them, (but) it should not come at the detriment of the residents who live here." He thanked Metro ABC and the city's Codes & Regulations department for taking action.

"The announcement from Afrokanza emphasizes the importance of compliance with our city’s regulations. Ongoing and repeated issues have left the city with no choice but to enforce our regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents," he wrote. "... We remain committed to fostering a business-friendly environment while ensuring that all establishments adhere to the necessary codes and regulations designed to protect the citizens of Louisville."

A recent report from WAVE said 135 calls to LMPD were made on the block where Afrokanza and Café 360 operate in the first 120 days of 2024. And Metro ABC on Monday said 30 complaints about the bar were issued to multiple city agencies from January 2023 to present.

In a statement, Metro ABC said the closure was voluntary and that a pre-conference hearing would take place on Aug. 6 to address additional concerns. And Codes & Regulations Director Richard Price said his department "will not tolerate violations and are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being in our community."

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Controversial Bardstown Road bar at the center of neighborhood complaints closes