UPDATED @ 9:47 PM. Two Dothan business licesnses revoked

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: Nov 19 2024 1:19 PM

DOTHAN—The Dothan City Commission revoked the licenses of two businesses accused of violating city ordinances and state liquor laws.

D&B Seafood Restaurant and Lounge, located at 3011 Ross Clark Circle in Suite 2, is accused of having Dothan Police called 169 times with 38 reported incidents since 2022, including multiple shootings with injuries, numerous assaults, drug incidents, and thefts.

UPDATED @ 9:47 PM Someone with D & B Restaurant & Lounge called and said they had already turned their business license into the City of Dothan in October. Which was weeks prior to today’s meeting. UNCONFIRMED with Dothan.

They are also accused of operating as a bar or lounge and charging a cover fee when their business is classified as a restaurant, failing to pay sales and liquor taxes, and not renewing their liquor license.

Their business and alcohol licenses were revoked unanimously without anyone speaking to defend the business during the public hearing.

Exotic Experience, located at 208 East Powell Street, is accused of having Dothan Police called 11 times (including two medical calls, a 911 hang-up and eight police visits) and liquor bottles in view without a liquor license.

Shangquia Mitchell, the owner, appeared before the commission to speak on Exotic Experience's behalf. She and a manager claimed the calls to police were from a rival business owner, and that the business was not open when police were called. She said they have taken "corrective actions" to bring the business into compliance with local laws.

"I feel as I have tried to right all the wrongs I have done, if any," Mitchell said before the commission. "No one has been harmed or hurt."

The city manager clarified there is the chance to apply for a new business license under the correct business designation.

Their business license was revoked 5-2, with Commissioners Dorsey and Kirkland voting against.

Interim City Manager Randy Morris said license revocations are based on internal reports.

"We only take into account what we have seen and what we have found internally as the city," Morris said. He said other businesses in the area of Exotic Experience were investigated, and the city has not found any issues.

At the last commission meeting on Nov. 5th, Mitchell and another employee appeared and said another business, Imani Lounge, was operating illegally. She accused the business owner of breaking alcohol violations and being over-capacity.

"The police department has looked into that as well, and from what I understand they have not found any violations," said Morris.

Mitchell went to look into reapplying for a new business license immediately after the commission meeting.

"I'm going to take the knowledge they gave me and run with that," she said. "I'm not a quitter... and I won't stop until I get that 'yes.'

"My head is held high."