Yesterday, Mayor Gavin Newsom was joined by Police Chief Heather Fong, members of the Entertainment Commission and local nightclub owners and promoters to announce new legislation aimed at reforming the nightclub industry. Four pieces of legislation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors at the next full Board meeting and are co-sponsored by Supervisor Sophie Maxwell.
"People are going to these nightclubs, carrying guns, and committing violent crimes," said Mayor Newsom. "This violence will not be allowed to continue, and we are telling nightclub industry officials that we are here to help you, but we are going to make some changes."
Three of the proposed ordinances focus on reforming permitting protocol for promoters and nightclubs, and a final ordinance will prohibit loitering around nightclubs during the late evening and early morning hours.
- The first ordinance would require promoters to obtain a permit before holding two or more events per calendar year, thus enabling the Police Department and other regulator agencies to know who is directly responsible for an event and hold them accountable for a security plan and any violations of health or safety rules.
- The second ordinance amends existing law to tighten the permitting process, and grants emergency powers to the Director of Entertainment Commission to suspend permits for a variety of safety and noise violations.
- The third ordinance clarifies the application requirements for Extended-Hours Premises Permits (premises which are open between 2-6a.m.), requiring these premises to create security plans, which the Executive Director of the Commission must approve.
- The final ordinance makes it illegal to loiter within 10 feet of a club for more than 3 minutes. It only applies between 9p.m. and 3a.m. and does not apply to people waiting for a bus or other activity. A person must be warned before they can be cited.
"The areas directly outside nightclubs have become locations for assaults and shootings, and nightclub goers have become fearful for their safety," said Chief Fong. "This proposed anti-loitering legislation is another crime-fighting tool for our officers, and our hope is to reduce the incidence of violent crimes around these entertainment venues."
The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) held the first Nightlife Safety Summit in January, convening owners of nightclubs, event promoters, and other members of the nightlife community to discuss violence occurring outside of late night entertainment venues. Participants were asked to act as partners in public safety activities to reduce violent crime and accept accountability reforms in light of recent incidents involving nightclub patrons.
"The entertainment community is proud to be a partner in the development of this legislation, as our venues benefit most when our customers feel safe." said Entertainment Commission President Audrey Josephs. "This legislation gives greater authority to the Entertainment Commission to act quickly and effectively when violations do occur."
Resources:
Mayor Gavin Newsom
Police Chief Heather Fong
Entertainment Commission
Supervisor Sophie Maxwell
Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice
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