Bourbon Street business files suit against City of New Orleans alleging improper fines

NEW ORLEANS – A Bourbon Street business is suing the city for fines levied by the Vieux Carre Commission.

416 Bourbon LLC and Silver Bourbon filed suit on Feb. 3 in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court against the City of New Orleans and the Vieux Carre Commission.

The plaintiffs claim they improperly received notice from the VCC concerning numerous faults with their property including failure to obtain a sign permit, sign violations, performing work without a permit and failing to properly preserve and repair existing structures. The plaintiffs claim they responded to the VCC and agreed to make some of necessary changes, but also contested a few of the requests. The plaintiffs allege they never received a response and were not notified of a New Orleans Code Enforcement hearing where they were assessed a $15,075 fine for not correcting the violations.

The plaintiffs are seeking to block a property lien sought by the VCC and are asking the court to reverse the fine. In addition, the plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount in damages for fraudulent practice of the defendant, loss of business income, damage to business reputation and court costs.

The plaintiffs are being represented by attorney Scott T. Winstead of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Tiffany G. Chase.

Case number 2012-01088