Just hours after the shooting at Last Call early Sunday morning, one Lawrence leader is ready to revive a controversial proposal for licensing entertainment and hospitality businesses.

Lawrence Mayor Sue Hack said she’d been in contact with City Manager Dave Corliss and they agreed city staff members would place licensing on either the Feb. 19 or Feb. 26 City Commission meeting.

“In that case, if you lose your license, you can’t operate any more,” Hack said. “There’s concern that this might be arbitrary, but I don’t believe that.

“We know there are businesses that operate absolutely above-board and take responsibility for patrons outside their businesses, and there are others that don’t. And last night is an example of a place that doesn’t take responsibility.”

The mayor’s comments refer to that fact that Last Call’s liquor license was revoked by the state months ago, but a loophole in the law allows the venue to operate as a bring-your-own-alcohol private club.

Hack also mentioned the possibility of working with Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson to prosecute venues that have become a public nuisance.

“I think the Last Call would certainly be considered by many to be a public nuisance after what has happened,” Hack said.

Hack said the city has employed every tool it currently has in its toolbox for dealing with this type of situation, and is now looking for new ways to deal with Last Call. She mentioned working with the Kansas Legislature to further empower cities to regulate businesses.

The shooting at Last Call comes fewer than two days after Last Call attorney Daniel Owen blasted the city for being racially motivated in attempting to shut down the club. On Sunday, Hack flatly rejected that allegation.

“If this were something that had any overtones of racism, not one commissioner or staff member would take part,” Hack said. “This has absolutely nothing to do with that. This is about public safety and welfare.”