LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — Louisville’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is taking action against Mr. Silks Party Store on West Muhammad Ali Boulevard, saying officers have spent months investigating alleged drug trafficking at the location.
Director Brad Silveria told WAVE his office received a tip over the summer and has worked on the case since then.
A city ordinance that took effect in late 2023 gives Louisville Metro ABC authority to issue an emergency suspension order. Silveria said that power allows officers to move quickly, which they did last Thursday at Mr. Silks Party Store.
“There was a narcotics transaction that took place, and it happened on the inside of the premises, and it forced us into quick action,” Silveria said.
Silveria said his office has previously issued suspension orders for violence or selling alcohol to underage customers, but this marks the first time it has issued an ESO for alleged drug trafficking.
The department also claims the store violated state beverage control laws, including open consumption of alcohol in and around the property.
“We will make every attempt to remedy the problems that we believe to make it unsafe, and if we can get to that common ground between us and the county attorney, then we might allow them to reopen without having to go through a hearing,” Silveria said.
WAVE spoke with the attorney representing the store, who said he has appealed the order and that the owners deny the allegations.
The station also contacted store employees but either received no response or were told they did not want to speak on the record.
Silveria said his office has issued only 11 suspension orders in just over two years, even though thousands of businesses in the city hold liquor licenses.
Although ESOs remain uncommon, Silveria said his officers stand ready to act when necessary.
“If it’s going on, stop now, because we will take your liquor license if you engage in this behavior,” he said.
As of now, authorities have not made any arrests in connection with the case.
Anyone aware of illegal activity at a business with a liquor license can contact Metrosafe at 311 or (502) 574-5000.
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