Council takes up late-hours ordinance for nonresidential zones; administration pulls proposal after debate

Council discussion on Sept. 4 over Ordinance 25-69 — proposed changes to hours of operation for businesses in nonresidential zones — became one of the meeting’s lengthier policy debates. The proposal would have removed certain exemptions that allow 24-hour operations for some nonresidential businesses; councilors and staff discussed whether to limit the changes to the city’s entertainment district, how to require security for late-night operations, and whether gas stations should retain 24-hour access.

Director Bridges and Police Director Steve Wilson both addressed councilors' concerns about safety and enforcement. Wilson told the council that locations open late had been frequent targets for robberies and that private security does not carry the same authority as a sworn officer: "...there's not a lot of people around. There are gas station attendants with pockets fulls of money, and they tend to be victimized a lot," he said, urging caution about blanket 24-hour allowances for certain businesses.

Council members offered multiple alternatives: keep entertainment-district hours at 2 a.m. while restricting other nonresidential businesses; require a documented "public-safety plan" and proof of licensed security for events that stay open later; or require establishments operating late to notify the police department in advance so officers could be allocated. Some councilors urged that special events be allowed to apply for a local permit that would require specified security measures and insurance.

After an extended exchange among council members, the administration pulled the ordinance so staff and council could refine the language. Council president Gonzales asked the council to finalize proposed amendments in committee and return an updated draft rather than repeating the current back-and-forth.