Madison County, October 1, 2025
News Summary
A Madison County judge has mandated the owners of 708 Bar & Grille to provide requested records for an ongoing legal case with the City of Huntsville. The bar was shut down earlier due to violence and code violations, amidst claims from its co-owner that the actions stem from unfair treatment related to past criminal issues. Failure to comply with the court order could invite further legal repercussions.
Madison County – A Madison County judge has ordered the owners of 708 Bar & Grille to comply with discovery requests in the ongoing legal case initiated by the City of Huntsville. The order was signed by Circuit Judge Ruth Ann Hall on Monday, requiring the bar’s owners to provide the requested records within 21 days.
This legal action comes after the City of Huntsville shut down 708 Bar & Grille earlier this month due to repeated instances of violence and code violations linked to the establishment. City leaders cited these issues when they revoked the bar’s license and pursued its permanent closure.
The case has attracted attention, especially as co-owner Malcolm Gopher claimed at a recent city council meeting that the shutdown was an unfair police action related to his past criminal history. The city had limited discussions about the bar during the council meeting because of the ongoing legal case. Court filings indicate the city had sought information from the defendants through interrogatories and document requests; however, there was no response from the defendants until now.
Judge Hall’s order mandates compliance from the bar owners, warning that failure to provide the requested information could lead to further legal penalties. The legal proceedings are ongoing in Madison County Circuit Court.
Conditions Leading to Closure
The City of Huntsville has labeled 708 Bar & Grille a public nuisance, citing multiple shootings and violent incidents connected to the establishment. Notably, a shooting incident in March 2024 injured five people outside the bar, contributing to the city’s decision to intervene. Other concerns listed by the city include gun-related violence, drug activity, and violations of city noise ordinances.
Previously, the city suspended the bar’s liquor license for 90 days due to disruptions caused by the establishment, based on police department recommendations. The bar was subsequently shut down through an injunction issued after the City filed a lawsuit on May 5, primarily citing safety concerns.
Community Perspective
The actions surrounding 708 Bar & Grille have garnered mixed reactions from residents. Some community members have expressed their support for the bar, arguing that it forms an integral part of the Calvary Hill neighborhood, which it has served since 1956. Gopher has mentioned that there have been no complaints about the bar from local residents, suggesting that the violence may be tied to a lack of police attention to the area rather than the bar’s operations.
As the situation unfolds, Gopher and the co-owners plan to challenge the preliminary injunction at a future city meeting. However, there has been criticism leveled at the city council for not permitting residents to express their opinions on the bar’s closure during public comment periods.
Ongoing Developments
The outcome of the case in Madison County Circuit Court remains uncertain as both sides prepare for further legal steps. The City of Huntsville continues to maintain that the bar presents a considerable risk to public safety, while the owners of 708 Bar & Grille assert that the measures taken against them are unwarranted.
Key Events Summary
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2024 | Shooting incident outside 708 Bar & Grille injures five people. |
| May 5, 2024 | City of Huntsville files a lawsuit and issues a shutdown injunction. |
| Recent | Judge Ruth Ann Hall orders compliance with discovery requests. |
FAQ
What did the Madison County judge order regarding 708 Bar & Grille?
The judge ordered the owners of 708 Bar & Grille to hand over records in the City’s legal case against the business.
When must the owners comply with the discovery request?
The owners must provide the requested information within 21 days.
Why did the City of Huntsville shut down 708 Bar & Grille?
The City of Huntsville shut down 708 Bar & Grille due to repeated instances of violence and code violations.
What incidents have been linked to 708 Bar & Grille?
Incidents linked to the bar include multiple shootings, disorderly conduct, and violations of city noise ordinances.
What is the community’s reaction to the shutdown of the bar?
Residents have expressed support for the bar, arguing that it is an integral part of the community, while others support the city’s actions citing safety concerns.
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Residents Outraged After Bar & Grill is Chained and Locked
- Rocket City Now: Judge Orders 708 Bar & Grille to Disclose Documents in Huntsville Closure Case
- WHNT: Owner Responds to 708 Bar and Grill Shutdown
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- AL.com: North Huntsville Bar Owner Challenges Allegations That Led to Business Being Shut Down
- Google Search: Huntsville Bar Closure
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.
