Sensations
Sensations was a topless dance club located at 2404 Derby Way in Birmingham's Liberty Highlands neighborhood. The owner was Dale Slatton and the club's general manager was Drayton Nay.
The Birmingham City Council's Public Safety Committee denied a dancing permit for the club in July 2009 after neighboring property owners voiced strong objections. Jefferson County Circuit Court judge Houston Brown overturned the Council's decision. A group of area residents, business leaders and ministers calling themselves Citizens to Preserve Derby Parkway, successfully lobbied the city to appeal Brown's ruling.
In May 2010 customer Barry Colton opened fire with a handgun after being asked to leave the club. He injured two employees and himself in the incident and was charged with attempted murder and assault. The incident was discussed by the City Council's Public Safety Committee, but no action was taken in light of the pending appeal. Sensations did not reopen after the shooting.
References
- Bryant, Joseph D. (July 7, 2009) "Northeast Jeffco residents pack City Council chamber for hearing on Sensation Palace." Birmingham News
- Coman, Victoria L. (March 2, 2010) "Residents ask Birmingham to appeal decision allowing strip club on Derby Way." Birmingham News
- Robinson, Carol (May 4, 2010) "Birmingham man charged in Sensations strip club dispute that left 3 with gunshot wounds." Birmingham News
- Whitmire, Kyle (May 5, 2010) "Birmingham Council takes no action against strip club." The Second Front