COUNCIL TO DECIDE FATE OF TASTE LICENSE AT MEETING TONIGHT

City officials may deny a liquor license for the Taste Lounge, a Good Hope Street bar that has been plagued by fights, assaults and disturbances.

The renewal decision will be made at tonight's city council meeting at 7.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department recommended a denial, citing numerous disturbances at the Taste Lounge, 402 Good Hope, since July, when its six-month probationary period began.

The probationary period was enforced because of other criminal incidents at the bar before June.

Police said they have been called to the bar for situations ranging from fights and drug violations to warrant arrests and suspicious activity.

The bar's liquor license temporarily was suspended in November by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Division of Liquor Control for failing to report an illegal or violent act and for failing to close on time.

City officials have said they will take the suspension into consideration when debating the license renewal.

Embattled bar owner Michael Pryor has said he believes the Taste Lounge is being unfairly targeted by police because of its largely African American clientele.

Police acknowledge that Pryor has made efforts to correct violations and encourage bar patrons to behave. In its recommendation to the city council, Police Chief Richard Hetzel characterized the attitude of the Taste Lounge management as cooperative.

"However, despite the best effort of management and continued cooperation from local law enforcement authorities, serious assaults have occurred within this business and police officers continue to respond to large, verbally abusive, intoxicated crowds," Hetzel wrote.