NEW YORK-
After a string of violent incidents linked to nightclubs this year, police and leaders in the city’s notorious nightlife industry are planning to meet to address issues like security, underage drinking and neighborhood relations.
The formal working group stems from the City Council’s one-day summit of law enforcement officials and nightlife leaders several weeks ago. Their recommendations were outlined Thursday.
Problems associated with the city’s nightlife have been under scrutiny since a young woman was abducted, raped and killed last winter after a night at a SoHo bar, where an unlicensed bouncer was charged in her death.
Also this year, a New Jersey teenager wandered away from her friend after leaving a club in the Chelsea neighborhood, and was later found beaten and strangled to death. Separately, a bouncer was accused of killing one man and wounding three others in a shooting spree outside a lounge in that same neighborhood.
David Rabin, president of the New York Nightlife Association and an owner of the club Lotus, said Thursday that the working group is a historic and encouraging first step.
“None of us want to be seen as bad neighbors–I think most of the problem that communities have with nightlife doesn’t have to do with what goes on inside nightlife, it has to do with the quality of life issues surrounding us,” he said.
He said he favors an increased police presence on the streets around clubs to help control crowds and noise levels.
The City Council is also considering legislation that would require ID scanners and security cameras at club entrances.
