LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Following the announcement that Metro will not renew the liquor license of a popular bar in the Highlands neighborhood facing controversy, a letter has been released detailing the reasons.

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• Metro will not renew the liquor license at Highlands Baxter’s 942 bar

The letter, published on October 20, says the main reason Metro ABC has decided not to renew the liquor license for Baxter’s 942 is because of “repeated acts of violence arising from events that have occurred in the vicinity of the licensed premises at 942 Baxter. Ave., where Licensee hired DJ Lil Jerry & Friends.”

They say Baxter’s knew or “should have known” about the dangers associated with hiring the DJ and detail four incidents of shootings that resulted in injuries or deaths on nights at bars where The DJ was playing.

“The Louisville Metro Government has determined that the cause of the injuries and deaths caused during the shootings is directly related to DJ Lil Jerry’s performances,” the letter states.

On August 11, two men were killed in a triple pull after shots rang out on Baxter Avenue. DJ Lil Jerry performed at Baxter’s that evening and the event was announced on social media. See below

Then further October 5, a man was injured in a shooting in Baxter and a suspect was arrested. DJ Jerry was playing again that night at Baxter’s.

In the letter, Louisville Metro Government says that after the first shooting, Baxter’s was “irresponsible in rehiring DJ Lil Jerry.”

“After the first shooting occurred, based on a reasonable person standard, Project Baxter 942 put the community at risk by employing DJ Lil Jerry a second time,” the letter said.

DJ Lil Jerry was also known to be playing on the night of two other shootings in the city, including the shootings of Southern Restaurant and Lounge in 2023, where six people were shot and two died.

Metro says it has received numerous requests asking the ABC administrator to reject the liquor license renewal application. The ABC administrator has determined that renewal of this license would not be in the public interest for reasons of public health and safety.

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