WOODLAWN MOTEL FORFEITS DRUG BOND

A Woodlawn motel has forfeited a $10,000 bond for failing to prevent drug
activity and prostitution on its property, the first penalty of its kind
under Birmingham's drug nuisance laws.

The Drug Nuisance Unit, formed about a year ago, targets motels, apartment
complexes, homes or other businesses that have become centers of drug
activity. Each target is given a list of measures to improve. If they can
show 90 days of improvement, they may post a bond and be freed from the
requirements, as long as their record stays clean.

The Relax Inn at 6601 First Avenue South was ordered last year to post
security on the property for 24 hours.

"It was working really well, no complaints, nothing," said Chief Assistant
City Attorney Theo Lawson and in November, the motel was allowed to post bond.

Police since have found cocaine and marijuana on the premises.