The Montgomery City Council is responding to an increase in safety-related complaints concerning various downtown establishments.

1048 Jazz & Blues, found on East Fairview Avenue, is currently under scrutiny after patrons and residents from the nearby Cloverdale area have voiced concerns about incidents of violence.

In a temporary measure, the bar is required to close for a portion of the next 60 days. Once that time has elapsed, the Council will evaluate the number of complaints to determine any further actions.

A recent report highlighted by customers pointed out issues regarding the conditions, both inside and outside the venue, raising alarms over local safety hazards.

Wilson Folmer, a longtime Cloverdale resident, reminisced about the bar’s more favorable past.

“I used to come here a lot years ago; my sister played in a band here, so I was often around,” Folmer shared. “It was a good spot back then, but, well, something feels like it has changed.”

According to the report, complaints against the venue include cleanliness issues, allegations of racial harassment, suspected drug-related activities, and instances of physical violence.

Derrick Tenor, a patron, described his own harrowing experience with violence at the location.

“I was brutally assaulted not long ago,” he recounted, noting the lack of security during the incident which followed him outside.

“They wouldn’t let me call the police, nor would they call them on my behalf,” he added.

Douglas Gurney, the owner of 1048 Jazz & Blues, mentioned parking as a significant concern for the establishment.

“If you could have a police car do rounds every 30 minutes, maybe that would help, but it’s an issue everywhere,” Gurney commented to a reporter.

“I get where they’re coming from. They don’t want to keep hearing complaints. I truly don’t know what else can be done, but we’ll see how things unfold.”

Councillor Andrew Sinmanski, who oversees the district housing the bar, acknowledged that this particular area has drawn more complaints than others.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration among bar owners to improve the situation for multiple businesses, particularly those near Huntingdon College and the newly developed East Fairview Avenue area.