News Summary
A Tennessee judge has ordered the closure of 404 Bar & Grill in South Nashville following concerns about safety and criminal activity. The bar has faced scrutiny for over 123 service calls related to violent incidents, illegal gambling, and underage drinking. This decision is aimed at improving community safety and addresses ongoing disturbances that have worried local residents. The bar’s owners are now barred from the premises as further hearings are scheduled.
Nashville Bar 404 Bar & Grill Shut Down by Court Order Due to Ongoing Public Nuisance Issues
A Tennessee judge has ordered the closure of the 404 Bar & Grill in South Nashville due to its classification as a public nuisance. The temporary injunction and padlocking order were executed on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Metro Nashville Police have pointed to serious safety concerns and repeated criminal activity associated with the bar as the primary reasons for this court ruling.
Over the past five years, law enforcement had responded to approximately 123 service calls linked to incidents at the establishment. These incidents included reports of gunfire, drug transactions, frequent drunkenness, fights, assaults, illegal gambling, persistent loud music, vandalism, and various breaches of the peace. Police have also conducted 314 extra patrols at the location, an allocation of resources that diverted attention away from other critical emergency calls.
The closure resulted from an intensive law enforcement investigation that took place earlier this month. During this operation, authorities discovered 15 illegal gambling machines and body armor inside the bar premises. Additionally, unauthorized security personnel—who lacked the appropriate state licensing—were found to have allegedly assaulted patrons, raising further concerns about the bar’s management and adherence to safety regulations.
Critics have cited a pattern of reckless disregard and deliberate indifference by the owners of the bar towards the safety of the surrounding community and neighboring businesses. One significant incident in 2024 involved an alleged MS-13 gang member attempting to conduct drug transactions in the bar. Responding officers faced gunfire while pursuing a suspect linked to this situation, heightening fears regarding the bar’s environment.
Community Concerns and Previous Investigations
Residents and local businesses have repeatedly voiced their concerns regarding the activities at 404 Bar & Grill. Property managers from nearby residential areas have filed complaints regarding disturbances and incidents stemming from the bar. In response to these ongoing issues, Metro Nashville Police had previously encouraged the bar’s representatives to participate in a community meeting last November. However, no representatives from the establishment attended the meeting.
In addition to the recent troubles, the Metro Beer Board had previously launched investigations into the bar’s practices, which included allegations of selling alcohol to minors. Reports indicated that at least three underage individuals had purchased beer from the establishment, raising further alarm about compliance with state laws.
Next Steps and Future Hearings
The owners of 404 Bar & Grill, Nancy McGrath and Laura Wilson, along with property owners Charles James Farris II and Howard Avery, are now barred from entering the premises due to the court order pending a forthcoming hearing. A court session regarding the bar’s status is scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025.
Metro Nashville Police have expressed hope that the bar’s closure will significantly enhance community safety and improve the quality of life for Nashville residents. Community leaders and business owners remain attentive to the developments, looking towards a more secure and peaceful environment in the area.
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Additional Resources
- WKRN: Metro Police Padlocking 404 Bar & Grill
- WSMV: Nashville Bar Shut Down After Police Responded 120 Times Over 5 Years
- Hoodline: Nashville’s 404 Bar & Grill Padlocked After Over 120 Police Calls in 5 Years
- Tennessean: Nashville Restaurant Nuisance Police Padlock Building 404 Bar & Grill
- Google Search: Nashville Bar 404 Bar & Grill shut down
Author: HERE Nashville
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