PINE BLUFF, AR --
After a four week lockup, III Gables will open again.Owner Stacey Knott says it could be as early as this weekend.
"I believe my patrons come to the club and they enjoy III Gables just like we enjoy them," said Knott.
The makeshift memorial outside the club reminds residents why it closed in the first place. A bullet struck Walter Ashley Jr., as he sat on his motorcycle in the parking lot. Knott said she lost a friend.
"He really actually enjoyed coming to III Gables," said Knott.
After the shooting, the Alcohol Beverage Control placed the club on probation and ordered club patrons be twenty-one and up.
Knott is taking it a step further. No one under 25 will get in!
"I think they'll be a bit more older, a bit more mature," said Knott.
Walter Ashley's brother Marnell said the family is not upset with the board's ruling.
" I hate that it happened to my brother but something had to happen in order for people to recognize what's going on," said Marnell Ashley.
He and Ashley had just started back going to clubs after their brother died in a club three years ago.
"My brother said we just can't shelter ourselves," said Marnell.
Marnell says he may now avoid the club scene for good.
"I just hope she just upgrades her security so she can house the people she's trying to house in there," said Marnell.
