bar brawl Leapin' Leprechaun Irish pub has beer license suspended as it is 'out of control'

An Irish pub in Tennessee has been hit with a 30-day beer license suspension by local authorities who declared it "out of control". 

The suspension will not kick in until March 31 meaning the Leapin' Leprechaun at 101 Market Street in Chattanooga was allowed to host expected big crowds for the St Patrick's Day festivities.

The city’s Beer Board has to give two weeks’ notice in order for a suspended bar to have time to file an appeal.

According to local media, an anonymous caller reported that nearly 20 people were involved in a mass fight in front of the pub on the early morning hours of March 5.

The owner told police there was no fight, but police said nearby cameras captured the incident .

Police also said that numerous Leapin' Leprechaun employees were intoxicated, including the owner, who was found hiding in the kitchen, and bartenders. The owner said he was hiding due to open warrants for DUI and he remains in jail.

Board member Chris Keene who moved for the suspension, was quoted as saying: "We can't let this place stay running like it is. I'm ready to take its license right now. It's right at the Market Street Bridge."

Another beer board member, Cynthia Coleman, said: "I'm very concerned about what could happen there. Nobody's in control. I'd be scared to even go downtown this weekend."

The owner had said extra bartenders and security would be on duty for the St Patrick's Day crowd but Board members said the Leapin' Leprechaun had previous violations.

Former Chairman Ron Smith said "they are in a folder in a file cabinet somewhere".