Contact: Denise Turner
Phone: 336-373-2002

City Councilmember Matheny Unveils New Measures for Downtown

GREENSBORO, NC  – (November 10, 2010) – Greensboro City Councilmember Zack Matheny (District 3) today announced several steps to increase safety and promote security to those participating in Greensboro’s downtown nightlife. The zero tolerance approach includes several proposed ordinance revisions and requirements designed to maintain a welcoming environment in the downtown area.

“It’s vital to the residents of Greensboro that we take the necessary and serious steps to improve the downtown environment so that everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe atmosphere,” says Matheny. “These measures not only promote safety, but will hold downtown businesses accountable for the actions of their visitors.” 

The measures include revisions to existing ordinances that address issues related to the age and presence of downtown visitors. The proposals include a curfew that prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from being in downtown after 11 pm, a policy that prohibits loitering within 50 feet of an establishment that serves alcohol, and an increase in the cost, to $5, to park in the City’s parking decks after 9 pm.

New requirements were also proposed to further regulate downtown nightclubs. Matheny discussed the development of an Entertainment License for clubs with a capacity of over 100 persons, which would ensure downtown businesses comply with applicable laws, pay mandated fines, and provide minimum training and staffing levels for security staff. In addition, all downtown clubs would be required to have video surveillance of security checks and must use visible credentials that identify security and bar personnel.

Matheny suggested that Greensboro’s Department of Transportation place updated cameras in the parking decks, while the Greensboro Police Department increase officer presence in the parking decks to limit loitering. Matheny says the proposed increase in parking fees would help offset the costs of additional cameras and officers.

Meanwhile, the City’s enhanced partnership with Downtown Greensboro Inc. would provide for the expansion of surveillance camera systems into other parts of downtown. The City is also researching its right to assess clubs with the additional costs of providing police protection created by crowds they attract.

The ordinance revisions and new measures will be discussed at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 16.

Recap of New Measures for Downtown Greensboro

Extending Control of the Public Space
These focus on specific actions to provide a safer environment for late night customers and workers. The draft actions are intended to reduce people “hanging out” on the sidewalks or using parking garages to tailgate and consume inexpensive alcohol prior to going to the clubs. Specific steps include:
• Zero tolerance for quality of life infractions that occur in downtown;
• Ordinance revision to prevent loitering within 50 feet of a business selling alcoholic beverages;
• Ordinance revision to fine people loitering in any City-owned parking deck;
• New curfew ordinance banning minors under 18-years-old from being in downtown after 11 pm;
• Expanding the surveillance camera system into other parts of downtown;
• Upgrading the security cameras in the parking decks;
• Instituting a $5 fee to park in City owned decks after 9 pm. The fee must be collected upon entry and the exit gate arm must remain open. All revenues must go toward garage security and maintenance. Security personnel will also be doubled in each deck.

Enhancing Responsibility of Nightclub Owners
These provisions recognize that nightclub owners are responsible for the safety of their employees and patrons and must do more to ensure that safety. The following provides rationale to create a new Entertainment License for all nightclubs with a capacity greater than 100 patrons and requires:
• Certification and training of all club security personnel including a background check. Employees must have posted credentials via an ID card;
• The size of the club security team is based on the club’s occupancy levels as set by the Greensboro Fire Department. The ratio is still to be determined. Security staff must be present and working during the club’s operating hours;
• Require security officers and extend their responsibility to the exterior as well as the interior of the club;
• Install a video surveillance system at all club entryways and exits and that records and stores high quality pictures. The images must be made available upon request by the Greensboro Police Department to investigate alleged crimes or incidents;
• Permits are non-transferable to event producers using or renting the club;
• Compliance with all applicable laws and payment of all city taxes, municipal water and sanitation services, operating fines and other violations; 
• The Entertainment License is subject to revocation for violations of City ordinance.

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The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).