Andre Williams, a well-known and world-traveled recording artist and business owner for the past 18 years in the city of Clearlake, recently leased with the option to purchase a previously closed bar and grill. The location is highly visible and easily accessible. Mr. Williams owns KMOB, 100.3 FM in Clearlake.

After the contract to lease the bar and grill was made Mr. Williams applied for a liquor license transfer from Alcohol Beverage and Control (ABC). However, numerous restrictions were placed on his license which will highly impact his ability to run his business as intended.

Mr. Williams' desire is to host live entertainment geared toward adults 35 and over. Anyone who has had the pleasure of attending one of his concert's can attest to the smooth vocal and very rhythmic and melodious tenor of his voice. The ambiance is always sophisticated, and attracts and caters to the middle and upper class crowds, only.

Yet, Mr. Williams' request to have the restrictions lifted from his license was met with much resistance from Chief Allan McClain.

According to McClain the restrictions were placed on the license by ABC because of problems that occurred at the business location.

Mr. Williams, with the assistance of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has attempted to reason with McClain to lift the restrictions on live music and other restrictions as well.

The NAACP believes that Mr. Williams has been singled out since other similar type businesses in the city of Clearlake enjoy live music, utilize disc jockeys, have happy hours, and remain open until 2 a.m. We also believe that Mr. Williams has been unduly singled out and held responsible for what occurred at that location prior to his lease agreement.

On Dec. 10, 2009, Lake County Branch President Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit and Vice President Rick Mayo spoke before the Clearlake City Council on behalf of Mr. Williams. They spoke about the continued need for civil rights and social justice protections, the unfairness in the process and procedures of restrictions placed on Mr. Williams’ license, the overt unfairness to deny Mr. Williams’ ability to compete against like businesses in Clearlake, and the long history of business conducted at the same location for more than six decades. An ABC representative visited Mr. Williams’ business location on or about Dec. 14, 2009, and instead of lifting any of the restrictions added additional restrictions to his license.

Mr. Williams is currently in the process of circulating a petition to gather signatures in support of live entertainment at his new bar and grill location. Councilman Roy Simons’ request to have Mr. Williams' concerns over restrictions to his license be agendized for discussion before the city council as quickly as possible was met with opposition by City Administrator Dale Neiman.

Recently the NAACP became aware of documents that show Chief McClain requested that ABC place the restrictions on Mr. Williams’ license even though McClain stated in previous communications with the NAACP and Mr. Williams that he had nothing to do with any of the restrictions.

And finally, the law should be equally applied to all.

 

Aqeela El-Amin Bakheit is president of the Lake County Branch of the NAACP.