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Council declares Motor City Sports Bar a public nuisance, refers enforcement to city attorney
Summary
After years of calls and videos showing crowds and late-night disturbances spilling into nearby streets, the council voted to declare the Motor City Sports Bar a public nuisance and asked the city attorney to begin enforcement action, while leaving room for owner compliance.
Warren City Council voted April 20 to declare the Motor City Sports Bar a public nuisance and to refer the matter to the city attorney’s office for possible legal action to abate repeated disturbances outside the establishment.
Councilwoman Mindy Moore presented the issue after receiving complaints from neighbors and viewing video evidence. Moore said police records showed “253 runs in 3 years” connected to the bar and that the problem was concentrated in the parking lot and adjacent streets rather than inside the venue. She told the council: "This is a problem for our police. This is a problem for the residents." Moore moved to declare the property a public nuisance; Councilmember Lafferty supported the motion.
City Attorney counsel explained the legal process: the council may refer the matter to the city attorney, who can file a public-nuisance action in circuit court using police run records, videos, and affidavits as evidence. Counsel said prior cases (including an earlier nuisance action that resulted in a court-ordered closure) demonstrated the city can seek injunctive relief and closure if compliance is not achieved. The council discussed alternatives, including asking the owner to propose a prompt compliance plan, requiring visible changes such as improved fencing or a sound barrier, or installing no-parking restrictions on nearby streets.
Captain-level police representatives described on-the-ground enforcement efforts, prior Liquor Control Commission inquiries and the practical difficulty of policing the overflow into residential streets. Councilmembers asked the city attorney to issue a short notice period inviting the owner to respond with an immediate remedial plan; if owner action is insufficient or not timely, the attorney’s office may proceed to file suit seeking abatement and closure.
Council voted unanimously to declare the nuisance and refer the matter to the city attorney for enforcement; members said they preferred to allow quick, verifiable corrective action by the owner if offered, but were prepared to pursue litigation if necessary.
