Council reverses mayor's suspension of Big League Brews after hearing security changes and police oversight

After a public hearing on Aug. 19 about safety concerns tied to Big League Brews, the Taylor City Council voted to reverse Mayor Wooley's administrative suspension of the bar's business license effective Aug. 20, 2025.

Councilman Johnson moved to reverse the suspension after meetings with the owner and a report from the police chief that the establishment had taken concrete steps: reducing the venue's nightclub-style operations, removing or limiting live music, adding inside and outside security, terminating problem employees and banning patrons who had previously caused disturbances. "They have changed the establishment from more of a dance club style to more of a sports bar," the chief said, adding the department had conducted undercover checks and would continue to monitor the establishment and others in the city.

Supporters and opponents of the reversal addressed the council during the open hearing. Counsel for Big League Brews thanked the police department for collaborating on an implementation plan and said the owner accepted changes to improve safety. Several council members commended the collaboration while noting past incidents that prompted the mayor's action; the mayor stated he would stand by his original decision but accepted the council's reversal.

The council recorded more general direction: the police department should continue checks and enforce trespass notices where businesses identify repeat problem patrons. Council instructed the clerk and police to update the business-license status and to inform the public of the council's action.