LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A popular Highlands bar that has been at the center of controversy for its proximity to violent crime faces an uncertain future after Metro officials made the decision not to renew its liquor license.

Baxter’s 942 must have its liquor license to operate, so this latest subway order is essentially a shutdown order. The company’s subway licenses were set to expire on November 1.

Located along busy Baxter Avenue in Highlands, Baxter’s 942 has faced increasing criticism from neighbors and city leaders in recent months after shootings and other violence nearby.

Most recently, three men were shot, two fatally, on two streets adjacent to the bar in what Metro Councilman Ben Reno Weber described as a “gang-related” triple shooting.

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Another shooting happened near the bar on Oct. 5, in which a person was shot in the leg. The shooting was captured on surveillance video, and a suspect he was arrested.

In October 2023, a large-scale struggle was also caught on camera at the bar, leading to an investigation by Louisville Metro Police and Louisville Metro Alcohol Beverage Control. The video showed patrons of the bar fighting and security guards trying to break it up. The fight escalates and customers are seen attacking the security guards.

Less than an hour after the fight broke out, police responded to a shooting on the same block. LMPD confirmed the shooting was related to the fight.

Baxter’s 942 isn’t the only bar in the Highlands neighborhood to close its doors. At the beginning of October, Café 360 closed its doors after the owner surrendered its liquor licenses to Metro.

Owners of Baxter’s 942 will have the opportunity to appeal the decision if they wish.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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