A woman has filed a lawsuit against The Shelter Kitchen + Bar, a popular spot in the Shem Creek area, claiming that the restaurant served alcohol to an already intoxicated customer who went on to harass her.
What Happened at The Shelter?
According to the lawsuit, Mia Maupin visited The Shelter Kitchen + Bar on the night of February 17, 2023, to enjoy an evening out. But things took a troubling turn when another customer, Stokes Avinger Brownlee, who appeared to be drunk when he arrived, began stalking and harassing her.
The legal documents state that despite Brownlee’s visible intoxication, the bar staff continued to serve him alcohol. As a result, Maupin claims he began to follow her around the bar, harass her, and even touch her inappropriately.
Alleged Lack of Action by the Bar
The situation escalated until another patron stepped in and pinned Brownlee against the wall to give Maupin a chance to escape. The lawsuit says that only after this happened did the staff ask Brownlee to leave the bar.
However, the suit further alleges that not long after being removed, Brownlee was allowed back into The Shelter. Once inside again, he reportedly touched Maupin inappropriately for a second time, leading another bar patron to call the police.
Legal Action Taken
Mount Pleasant Police charged Brownlee with third-degree assault and battery. He later pleaded guilty and received a $10,000 bond, according to the lawsuit.
Maupin is now suing the bar and its staff, claiming they failed to keep her safe and did not follow responsible alcohol service rules. She is asking for a jury trial and wants both actual and punitive damages for what she experienced that night.
Restaurant Responds
The Shelter’s owner, Perry Freeman, has responded to the lawsuit. He said, “We are aware of the case and deny the allegations against us. We would not allow these things to happen.”
As of now, there is no legal representative listed for Brownlee in the public court records.
This lawsuit brings attention to the responsibilities bars and restaurants have in protecting their customers, especially when alcohol is involved. While the court will decide what happened and who is at fault, the case has sparked concern over safety in public spaces. For now, The Shelter denies any wrongdoing, and the case awaits further legal steps in court.
