LEWISTON – A Lisbon Street nightclub has seen the last of rowdy Thursday-night crowds, owner Mike Berube promised Tuesday.

Berube said he is abandoning DJs and live music at his Rock’n Robin’s nightclub to keep the right to offer comedy and cater to weddings and special events. Councilors were poised to pull Berube’s special-use permit in response to months’ worth of rowdy Thursday night crowds and numerous calls to police.

“It’s not just for the city, but for me,” Berube said. “I have chosen to go in a different direction.”

Councilors considered putting the bar on a three-month probation last month, citing several weeks’ worth of rowdy Thursday-night crowds. There were 106 calls for police service at the bar during the past year, according to Police Chief William Welch. The worst occurred on Aug. 27, when a brawl there ended with an officer being assaulted.

Councilors tabled probation, however, giving Berube two weeks to meet with police and calm things down.

The rowdy crowd was on hand again last Thursday, however. A brawl at the bar ended with at least one man taken to Central Maine Medical Center.

“I took many steps to make things better,” Berube said. “I brought on more staff, I put up signs, I did everything you asked. I just think this is what happens when you have those kinds of crowds.”

The bar unexpectedly became popular on Thursday nights this summer, he said. The only thing left to do was to abandon the formula that made Thursday’s popular – live music and DJs.

“We had our last DJ night on Saturday,” he said. “We will not be doing that anymore.”

City staff will work with Berube to create a formal agreement spelling out the changes before the next council meeting. Berube will offer comedy shows at the bar three nights a week and rent his room out for weddings. But music and dancing at the nightclub are out.

Councilors agreed to postpone a decision until staff could draw something up, but they were skeptical. Councilor Renee Bernier said she wanted some assurance that Berube’s club wouldn’t open this Thursday as usual.

“If you do, I hope you make a lot of money,” City Administrator Jim Bennett said. “Because I think it might be your last time.”

Welch said he’d prefer the nightclub not open at all on Thursday night, but said he’d be happy if Berube agreed to close at 11 p.m. Berube declined to comment on whether he’ll open Thursday and, if so, when he’ll close.