Boxcar Bar ordered to close immediately

The Boxcar Bar is out of business, more than a year after former Coconino County Supervisor Tom Chabin filed a complaint against the establishment for violation of several Planning and Zoning ordinances.

Located just two miles south of the Navajo Nation and ten miles south of Leupp, the bar, also known as Jackson’s L-Lazy J Liquors, has been the frequent subject of protest for targeting Native Americans in the sale of alcohol. Those protests prompted Chabin to bring the bar to the attention of Planning and Zoning.

The Coconino County Attorney’s Office charged owner Loyd Bradley in January of 2000 with not possessing a permit for the expansion of his business, placement of a boxcar in an illegal zone, excessive multiple dwellings, keeping or raising animals for commercial purposes without a conditional use permit, and the use of signs without a sign permit.

Although Bradley was given permission to sell alcohol from his mobile home in 1981, said Chabin, he lost that permission when he moved the business into a boxcar and then constructed accessory buildings without permits in an area zoned for one residence per 10 acres.

On Tuesday, March 13, Coconino County Superior Court Judge Fred Newton ordered Bradley to cease alcohol sales immediately and permanently, and gave him one year to bring his property into conformity with the General Zone Uses of Coconino County. General Zone Uses do no not include the sale of alcohol.

According to County Attorney Bill Ring, Bradley will have to remove the boxcar and other dwellings on the property in excess of one dwelling. “There will be no boxcar, no alcohol and one house,” said Ring.

Newton also included a provision in his order stating that if Bradley does not comply within the allotted time he will suffer a $70 a day fine, and the County can take other action to enforce the judgment.

“We’re very satisfied with the judgment and very pleased,” said Ring, adding that the boxcar was a detriment to the public health and safety of the area, particularly for the community of Leupp.

“That property had a number of health, safety and welfare risks, partly because of its sale of alcohol,” said Ring. “The property was never zoned for alcohol use, which is a prerequisite for getting a liquor license.” Chabin, commenting from Tuba City, also said he was pleased with the judgment.

“I’m very grateful to Terry Hance and the Coconino County Attorney’s Office. Closing the bar will enhance the quality of life in the area. This is a very positive thing.”

Chabin said that although Bradley could potentially apply to the County for conditional use permits to continue portions of his business, County staff would be called upon to investigate public health and safety issues. There would also have to be a public hearing before Planning and Zoning and the Board of Supervisors to determine whether or not the business should exist.

“The community will be very pleased that it’s over,” said Chabin.

Bradley may appeal the decision.