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On June 12, city planning commissioners agreed that the images on the doors of Susie’s Bar can remain, but the new awning must come down, as the logo sends the wrong message.

Chair Paul Coates noted it may have been appropriate 75 years ago when the bar was founded, “But I don’t think it is anymore. I think it’s disrespectful to women. I’m here to look out for the community, and especially with the #metoo movement, we do have a new way of looking at things.”

Commissioner Alissa McNair said she wasn’t necessarily bothered by the new logo but wasn’t sure it enhances the character of the town.

Commissioner Walter Abernathy was absent, but Vice-Chair Tim Wilkes said, “As a wayfinding element I see this and my first reaction is ‘there’s a strip club in town.’”

Staff approved a sign permit in March to replace the old blue awning with a gray one and limited only to the words “Susie’s Bar.” Staff became aware in May that the image of a voluptuous woman was also on the new awning, and told the owners that they must seek additional approval and cover up the image until a decision was made.

Susie’s submitted an additional sign permit application saying the image was the bar’s logo.