After taking time to look at a Copley Road business applying for a liquor license, Akron City Council has passed a resolution opposing their request for a liquor permit.

Ward 4 Councilman Russel Neal Jr  tells AkronNewsNow.com why he objected to the business carrying a liquor license.

"I objected based on the premise of the community having a hearing so they could be heard," Neal explained.

"If we had not objected, the community wouldn't have a voice and the liquor license would have gone straight through."
 

Council unanimously passed an ordinance opposing the application submitted by The Members Only Lounge 7 LLC, doing business as Ocean Blue Nu Monday evening.

Since first introducing the ordinance several weeks ago, city officials including Neal met with those involved The Members Only Lounge  as well as 30-40 members of the community  who voiced their concerns about the business.

He said in meeting with residents , they were in favor of the business owners running a restaurant, but had strong concerns about the lounge portion of the building.

"Based on that meeting and the feedback from the community, we've set the resolution down to support our request for a hearing," Neal said.

Neal feels that his ward should have a say in what kind of businesses establish roots within its boundaries.

"This way the community can have a chance to voice their concerns to the State Liquor Control Board."

The liquor license hearing will be held April 9.

Other items that Council passed Monday night included a resolution expressing support for the Violence Against Women Act in the wake of the verdicts handed down the Stubenville rape case involving two football players and a 16-year old girl.

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