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The Selma City Council unanimously voted to revoke the business license of Lewis Freeman, Licensee of Freebandz Lounge, on Tuesday night.

The city council members present- City Council President Billy Young, council members Troy Harvill, Clay Carmichael, Atkin Jemison, Michael Johnson, Lesia James, Jannie Thomas and Sam Randolph- all voted to revoke Freeman’s business license.

A public hearing was held during the council meeting before the members voted, which Rex Jones of Cougar Oil spoke. Jones has a business across the street where the club formerly known as the Drip Lounge is located on 1400 Water Avenue. Jones is in favor of the council revoking the license because violence often takes place at the club.

On July 30, the club violated its permit as a rental event venue, charging a cover at the door and selling alcohol.  The Selma Police Department and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Freeman and several suspects confiscated 11 guns and drugs.

“We shouldn’t have that bar open or any one like it on Water Avenue,” Jones said.

Freeman, who runs the club but rents the building from Rose Sanders, was arrested by ALEA and charged with possession of a controlled substance. He is scheduled to appear in Selma Municipal Court at a later date.

Freeman did not appear at the hearing, but later appeared during the council meeting. The council allowed Freeman to speak and give his side.

“I didn’t have the right business license and I feel that it’s a personal vendetta against me,” Freeman said.

Freeman told the council that his goal is to open a restaurant in Downtown Selma. Council members told Freeman the revoking of the business license won’t stamd in his way of reaching that goal.

“You will have an opportunity in Selma,” Carmichael said.

Young, Johnson, Jemison and James all told Freeman to clean up his act and pursue the goal of opening an restaurant.