Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen issue statement on Jacques’ closure

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the City of Vicksburg issued a statement on Thursday regarding the extended closure of Jacques’ Bar after the shooting and stabbing incidents that occurred there on Saturday night.

“[We] welcome the lawful operation of businesses in the City of Vicksburg.  However, the City must ensure that the operation of the business is not detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of any person patronizing the business,” the statement began.

According to reports, two individuals were stabbed inside the bar.  The violence continued a few blocks away on Clay Street, where an SUV with three people inside is said to have opened fire, leaving one person shot.

“Based on a City Ordinance, Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones had the lawful authority to order that Jacques’ be closed. Chief Jones then set a meeting with the Mayor, the owner of Jacques’, his legal representative and the city attorney to attempt to establish a plan for the continued operation of the business while ensuring the safety and well-being of the establishment’s patrons.  The owner and his legal representative failed to appear for this meeting.”

In an interview with Vicksburg Daily News on Monday, Chief Jones referenced this meeting stating, “We don’t want any business to be closed. So I think the best thing to do is more security and us working together to try and make it work.”