As a result of an ordinance passed by Tacoma City Council earlier this month, security guards in nightclubs will have to be licensed and go through a training program taught by police officers. This is similar to a requirement in place in Seattle.
The effort began in February 2009 as part of the city’s safe and clean initiative, which aims to reduce blight and crime. A meeting was held at Tacoma Police Department’s headquarters. Owners and managers from a number of nightclubs attended that and subsequent meetings as the ordinance was crafted.
Washington Restaurant Association got involved when a member establishment informed the industry group about the issue. Anthony Anton, president and CEO of the organization, said after reading through the first draft he realized it had a farther-reaching impact than what he thinks was necessary.
A number of proposals were eventually discarded. One would have prohibited people over 21 and under 21 from being in the same venue during all-ages music performances. Another would have required a host or hostess to obtain a security guard license.
“We reached out to the city in a way that would be positive,” Anton said. “It was a good example of how industry and government can work together. Sometimes in this sort of situation industry does not find out what is going on until after the fact.”
Anton noted there have been several nightclubs in town that have closed, either due to having a liquor license revoked by the state or a business license revoked by the city. Those establishments were frequently sites of fighting and more violent incidents.
“Hopefully the end result of this ordinance will mean less problems of that nature,” Anton said. “It does no one any good for a nightclub to have a reputation as unsafe.”
Anton noted there are about 1,300 restaurants and bars in Pierce County. They follow different business models, from upscale wine bars to nightclubs to taverns selling beer and chicken wings. They have different safety concerns depending on the situation. In general, residents of the region want more bars close to where they live, according to Anton.
“Sixth Avenue is a good example of that. Many people are proud of that scene. But you have to balance that with neighborhood concerns, be they parking or safety.”
Anton feels the final version of the ordinance is a good compromise that takes into account the fact that some clubs have a small staff.
“That is why it is important to engage industry,” he said. “I am encouraged by what was passed. The good thing is we have a good dialogue with the city. Having that dialogue is key.”
