Kitty's Cabaret License Extended

February Bar Fight Put License In Question

Kitty's Nightclub Is Granted A Reprieve

Kitty's, the popular bar and dance venue on Hollis Street, was granted a reprieve Tuesday night when their cabaret license was conditionally extended by the Emeryville city council, a move that surprised many in town.  The council voted to allow Kitty's to provide disc jockey and live entertainment on the weekends to 8 pm until the bar changes owners in July.

Happier times at Kitty's

Kitty's had been in hot water since the much publicized bar brawl fracas last February when 150 agitated revelers spilled out into the street in a bottle smashing and fisticuffs brandishing melee, overwhelming Emeryville police.  Chief of Police Ken James indicated the EPD ultimately required back-up police services from neighboring towns and even the California Highway Patrol, to quell the tumult.

Mayor Nora Davis raised up a stack of police reports to the City Hall Tuesday night crowd; a litany of calls for service to Kitty's over the last year and exclaimed her patience was being tested before the council vote.  Ms Davis' concerns were mollified by the conditions hammered out,  enough for her to join her colleagues in the 5-0 vote.

Police Chief James testified there have been 58 Kitty's generated calls for service this year including 12 arrest incidents and firearm charges.  Mr James told the Tattler in April last year that Kitty's has been a major source of police over-time adding substantially to the current budget crisis. 

More Than a Catfight--Fur Flies at Kitty's

Reprinted from the Oakland Tribune


Up to 180 people involved in Emeryville bar brawl
By Harry Harris
EMERYVILLE -- A brawl at Kitty's bar early Friday involving up to 180 people spilled onto the streets, prompting overwhelmed Emeryville police who were being punched and having bottles thrown at them to call for mutual aid before order finally was restored, authorities said.

"It was an ugly scene," Emeryville Sgt. Fred Dauer said.

One Emeryville officer was injured, and at least two people were arrested. At least 30 officers from Oakland, Berkeley, the California Highway Patrol and UC Berkeley police responded to assist the five Emeryville officers on the scene, that department's entire contingent of officers on duty.

The chaos began about 1:25 a.m. when acting Emeryville Sgt. Richard Lee was flagged down by security guards at the bar at 6702 Hollis St. The guards reported a large fight inside involving patrons with knives and guns.

Lee observed up to 180 people inside fighting with bottles and other weapons, police said, and called for the four other Emeryville police officers working to respond.

The fighting spilled onto the street, and police saw numerous people being attacked and left bloodied. As Emeryville police were trying to break up the fighting, they were attacked by the crowd, police said.

Three officers were assaulted, including one who suffered minor injuries when he was punched in the face.

When the unruly crowd began throwing bottles at the officers and tried to free some brawlers who had been
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detained, a call for mutual aid was made and the other police agencies responded.

"It was very nice to get that response," Dauer said.

With the help of the extra officers, the crowd finally was dispersed and the situation declared under control at 1:45 a.m.

Dauer said that even though the security guards reported seeing guns, police heard no gunfire and there were no reports of anyone having been shot.

Dauer said there have been problems at the bar before, but nothing like Friday's incident. He said the bar may have been having a theme night of some kind, but it was not known what touched off the fight.

"It started small and grew very quickly," he said.

No one could be reached at the establishment Friday morning for comment.