Watch CBS News

St. Cloud Bar Cancels 'The Takeover' Promoted Event

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (WCCO) -- A hip-hop show that got the attention of the St. Cloud police department has been canceled.

Promoters called the 18-plus event the "St. Cloud: The Takeover" and would have bussed people from the Twin Cities to the show.

It prompted St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson to put out a warning that the department would take a zero-tolerance approach to crime this weekend.

Friday afternoon, Jamie Dickmann was preparing for a busy night at his bar Rumrunners. Leading into the weekend, Friday nights can bring in big crowds, but he's always looking for ways to bring in new business.

That's why he decided to host a hip-hop event though a promoter out of the Twin Cities.

"I didn't even talk to the staff about it because it was just supposed to be 30 people, a bus load of people," he said. "The next thing you know, the chief of police is talking about it and putting extra patrols on."

The "St Cloud: The Takeover" event had taken the stage through social media.

"I got caught off guard by how big of a deal it became," Dickman said.

Along with extra patrols, St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson issued a warning for anyone attending the event.

"They're welcome to come to St. Cloud as long as they plan to be law abiding and civil," said Police Chief Blair Anderson.

Problems at 18-plus venues in Minneapolis left Anderson concerned for public safety in St. Cloud. He worried the same clientele would cause problems at Rumrunners.

"We want everyone to know they're going to be safe whether you're a visitor, you're a resident or passing through," Anderson said.

After hearing about the concern, Dickmann canceled Friday's show.

"Once there was a couple red flags, we were like, 'We don't need to be a part of that,'" Dickmann said.

The potential loss of business was a far better bargain than the loss of reputation.

"Even if you have a great night sales-wise, your tarnish on the bar would last for years," he said.

Police will still have a stepped-up presence tonight. The police chief said anywhere from 7 to 10 extra patrols.

Calls to the promoter were not returned.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.