Huntsville, Alabama, September 20, 2025
News Summary
The 708 Bar & Grille in Huntsville, Alabama, was shut down following a court order citing the establishment as a public nuisance. Owner Malcolm Gophers expressed frustration over repeated harassment by local law enforcement and has vowed to fight the shutdown. The City of Huntsville’s lawsuit cited multiple incidents of violence, including a shooting in 2024 that injured five individuals. Community members showed support for Gophers as he aims to reopen the bar, highlighting the broader issues of public safety and responsibility among local businesses.
Huntsville, Alabama: 708 Bar & Grille Shut Down by Court Due to Public Nuisance Claims
708 Bar & Grille in Huntsville, Alabama, was shut down on Thursday after a court order determined the establishment was a public nuisance. Owner Malcolm Gophers shared a video on social media showing Huntsville police locking the doors of the bar early Thursday morning, following the court’s issuance of a preliminary injunction against the business.
The City of Huntsville filed a lawsuit against 708 Bar & Grille back in March, citing multiple incidents of violence, as well as violations of noise and zoning ordinances. Significant events contributing to the lawsuit included a shooting incident on the bar’s patio in 2024, where five individuals were wounded. The city claims that the bar owners have consistently failed to implement measures to prevent or deter violence on the property.
In response to the court’s ruling, Gophers accused local law enforcement of harassing him and his business for years. He stated that he had hired off-duty officers for security and expressed a desire to fight the court order, with hopes of reopening the bar as quickly as possible. Despite these challenges, community members showed their support for Gophers by honking and waving as they drove by the closed establishment.
Gophers conveyed feelings of disheartenment over the abrupt shutdown, noting the extensive time and financial investment made into the establishment. He argued that the societal issues related to gun violence should not be solely placed on his business. Furthermore, Gophers claimed that the city has made repeated attempts to shut down his bar or revoke his liquor license on various grounds.
In addressing the situation, Gophers pointed out that there are other local establishments that have faced violent incidents, such as Twin Peaks and Sammy T’s. He believes that closing down his business is counterproductive for community development and indicated his openness to discussions about urban development in the area. Gophers emphasized the need for more constructive alternatives to simply shutting down establishments like his.
This shutdown marks a significant step in the ongoing concerns regarding public safety and responsibility among local businesses in Huntsville. The court’s decision reflects a broader trend in addressing public nuisance claims, particularly in establishments where violent incidents are reported. Community members and stakeholders are now left to ponder the implications of this ruling and what it means for the future of local nightlife and business operations in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was 708 Bar & Grille shut down?
708 Bar & Grille in Huntsville, Alabama, was shut down due to a court ruling that determined the establishment was a public nuisance.
What events led to the lawsuit against the bar?
The lawsuit was initiated by the City of Huntsville in March, citing incidents of violence, including a shooting on the bar’s patio in 2024, where five people were shot, as well as noise and zoning ordinance violations.
What is the owner’s response to the shutdown?
Malcolm Gophers plans to fight the court order and aims to reopen the bar as soon as possible.
How have community members reacted to the shutdown?
Community members demonstrated their support for Gophers by honking and waving as they drove by the locked and chained establishment.
Chart: Key Features of the 708 Bar & Grille Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Business Type | Bar & Grille |
| Shutting Date | Thursday |
| Reason for Shutdown | Public nuisance claims |
| Key Incident | Shooting on patio in 2024, 5 injured |
| Owner | Malcolm Gophers |
| Community Response | Support through honking and waving |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Man Arrested for Shooting During Dog Sale Attempt
Huntsville Police Respond to Nightclub Shooting Incident
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Bar Ordered to Be Shut Down
- WHNT: Owner Responds to 708 Bar and Grill Shutdown
- ABC3340: Five Injured in Huntsville Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Nuisance
- Google Search: Huntsville Bar Shutdown
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
