Mpls. Targets Reducing Downtown Sunday Night Crime
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Two new Minneapolis city ordinances hope to crack down on downtown crime, specifically during weekend nights in the Warehouse District.
The first ordinance will make it easier for the city to put conditions on new or existing businesses or liquor licenses, such as enforcing stricter rules on separating legal drinkers from underage customers.
The second ordinance would make it easier to put conditions on licenses held by non-alcohol serving establishments.
Police say about 80 percent of violent crimes in downtown Minneapolis take place between 10 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights.
And, starting this week, city regulators are meeting with club owners who are in the heart of the area with the most problems.
Among the changes several club owners have already agreed to include:
• Not holding events for those under 21 on Sunday nights until at least Sept. 10, 2012.
• For all under-21 events, they will use enhanced wristband systems for identifying and separating people who can't drink legally, from customers who are 21 and over.
• Uniformed security staff and off-duty police will be used on all event nights.
• Criminal background checks will be conducted on all club employees.
