Hapeville restaurant hangs racially charged sign

The Castle Restaurant in Hapeville has posted a racially charged sign on its property stating, "These citizens don't want black people in Hapeville." 

The owner of the restaurant, Joshua Patton, said the city won't give him an alcohol license and he claims it's because his clientele is mainly African-American.

Patton listed out the names of people he accuses of "not wanting black people." 

"It’s wrong and that’s the reason I’m fighting. I’m fighting for my customers," Patton said.

The initial permit for an alcohol license was denied in 2015 for the following reasons by the city of Hapeville alcohol review board:  

1. There was a material misrepresentation by the Applicant about prior employment as in relates to the prior license of the location. 
2. Applicant did not convince the Board that traffic would not be an issue due to the size of the facility; and 
3. Application is not in the best interest of the health, safety, or welfare of the City.

Patton said there are businesses all around him that sell alcohol.

"It makes me sick and my customers are very upset," Patton added.

The unopened restaurant is across the street from a Porsche facility and where a new hotel is being built and Patton believes that's part of what is influencing city officials.

The city manager released the following statement:

"The City of Hapeville is currently in litigation with the owner of the Castle (Mr. Patton) over a disputed administrative matter. It is very unfortunate that Mr. Patton has chosen to exercise his right of free speech in such an offensive manner to so many. However, we yield to his right to do so under the law and City has no further comment at this time."