(Courtesy of City of Ozark)
OZARK, Ala. (WDHN) – A Dale County motel could go out of business after a year-long battle with local officials over alleged safety violations.
The Ozark City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 21 at 5 p.m. to discuss the revocation of the operating license for the Days Inn on Highway 231 in Ozark, owned by Namaste Hospitality LLC.
The matter was brought to Congress on the recommendation of Secretary of Public Safety Charles Ward.
Ward said over the past year his department and the city have been working with the motel to try to correct some of the violations. The alleged violations include not having smoke alarms installed in the motel or having malfunctioning alarms that were installed.
Ward said despite multiple visits to the hotel and working with management, the violations have not been resolved.
“This is a dangerous operation for the users,” Ward said.
Ozark City Attorney Joe Adams said the fire-related violations were discovered during a routine inspection and the city gave the motel “more than ample time” to correct the violations.
The chief told WDHN that Deputy Chief Jeff Lowery visited the hotel to investigate a separate allegation that the Days Inn was renting rooms on a long-term basis rather than on a daily basis, in violation of the motel’s license. said.
WDHN contacted the Days Inn location in Ozark, but management declined to comment.
