Legal advice to city officials on the use of entertainment licenses

The city of Greensboro's legal department is researching the possibility of creating an ordinance that would require nightclubs to obtain entertainment licenses as a regulation to stem the tide of club-related violence.

From a memo written yesterday by Assistant City Attorney Tom Carruthers and circulated to the city manager's office, police Chief Ken Miller and members of city council:

The city's "nightlife" is now drawing people in greater numbers than ever seen before. They consist of the residents of Greensboro, the large student body attending school here and the population of the surrounding region that come into our city to enjoy the atmosphere and amenities.

The city is now beginning its process of adopting new and sweeping authority over the entertainment industry inside the city. The [city] managers are now soliciting and welcoming input from all stakeholders and residents of Greensboro. Police Chief Ken Miller is authorizing a regional "Best Practices" study to learn how other communities regulate their entertainment industry.

Some interesting models:

Raleigh requires all businesses that utilize "amplified entertainment" to obtain an annual permit. It prohibits inappropriate levels of sound, alcohol and drug violations, and acts of violence on the premises or in the parking areas of the business. It sets out a four-step level of fines from $500 to $5,000 and allows revocation of the permit for one year following the fourth violation within 12 months. The Raleigh ordinance also requires the employment of off-duty law enforcement or licensed security guards in the parking areas of business[es] with a demonstrated problem with violence, drug or alcohol issues.

Greenville does not require licensing, but does require all bouncers and security to undergo background checks and proper training by the Greenville Police Department.

Carruthers writes that the best practices study will completed by January.