A controversial Lawrence nightclub could learn its fate in August, when a judge will consider a request by the city that could ultimately shut down Club Axis, 821 Iowa.

Douglas County District Court Judge Michael Malone will conduct a hearing Aug. 28. Attorneys for the city and the club will debate a motion, in which the city has asked a judge to find the owners and operators of the club in contempt of court for ignoring a previous court order. The parties were scheduled to appear in court Friday, but the hearing was canceled.

In December, Malone ruled that the business, also known as 821 Club, violated city law by operating as a nightclub instead of a bar, and should not do so without filing a new site plan with the city. The city says a new site plan was never filed and the bar continues to operate.

Lawrence police have connected the establishment to multiple shootings and stabbings over the years, including the May 2005 stabbing of former Kansas University basketball player J.R. Giddens, when it was known as the Moon Bar.