Dallas board reverses police denial, grants Sue Ellen's two-year late‑hours exemption

The City of Dallas Permit and License Appeal Board on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 reversed the chief of police's denial and granted a two‑year exemption allowing Sue Ellen's to operate under a late‑hours dance hall permit.

The exemption reverses an automatic denial under Dallas City Code that applies when a proposed late‑hours dance hall is within 1,000 feet of property devoted to residential use. The board voted unanimously to grant the two‑year exemption after hearing testimony from the appellant's witnesses and evidence presented by the Dallas Police Department.

Appellant representative Jim Birch told the board that Sue Ellen's — operating under Isaac Corporation and affiliated with Cabin Enterprises — had presented documentation showing long‑term community involvement, security measures and neighborhood support. Christine Bingston, who said she has worked with Cabin Enterprises for nearly 40 years, testified about the club's security and community programs and read a letter from the…