The shooting death of 32-year-old Gregory Little Jr. outside of a downtown Lincoln bar in April, has now resulted in penalties for the business.
The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission (NLCC) voted Tuesday to suspend the liquor license of the Royal Hookah Bar & Lounge for 60 days. Additionally, the bar will not be able to host events after-hours and must close at 1:00 a.m. going forward.
NLCC Executive Director Hobert Rupe told KLIN News, this decision comes after previous issues with after-hour crowds at the bar. While alcohol is illegal to sell after 2:00 a.m., tobacco products such as hookah can be legally served after bars close.
Rupe said if there are any other violations, the bar’s license could be set for automatic cancellation from the commission.
Little was shot several times by a security guard around 3:00 a.m. on April 7 outside of the bar. Little and his companion argued with two security guards after being denied re-entry into the bar. The friend of Little’s got into a fist fight with one of the security guards. During the struggle two 9mm handguns fell out of the guard’s tactical vest.
“Video showed that Mr. Little stepped closer to the physical confrontation, reached toward the sidewalk near the security guard’s feet and appeared to pick up one of the loaded handguns,” Lancaster County Attorney Pat County Attorney said in May after concluding his review of the case.
No criminal charges were filed against the security guard.