The Midland City Council directed staff to begin the process of amending the specific-use designation (SUD) for Hotshots, a downtown lounge, to strengthen security conditions following a violent, unreported assault captured on video in a parking lot behind the business.

Staff and council recapped that the SUD had been approved on June 10 with several conditions, including a unique 60-day and 7-month review requirement and a condition that required two certified security guards on Friday and Saturday nights. Staff presented incident data for 2024 and 2025 (through July), noting that since the SUD's security requirement went into effect there were 11 reported incidents attached to the property during the review period. Staff cautioned, and council agreed, that incident reports alone are an imperfect metric because some events go unreported or are handled by security and therefore do not generate police incident reports.

After council and community discussion, staff recommended—based on an incident captured on video that occurred outside the Friday–Saturday security window—that the council initiate an amendment to require certified security guards on every night the lounge is open (Tuesday through Saturday) and to extend security coverage after the end of alcohol service (staff suggested extending the post-service period to 2:30 a.m.). Council voted 7to0 to direct staff to begin the SUD amendment process; the existing SUD remains in effect until any ordinance change is adopted through the zoning process.

Why it matters: Council members and nearby business owners said the area has experienced recurring violent incidents, drug paraphernalia and safety concerns in the alley and parking areas. The council asked staff to examine broader, consistent policies for SUDs and downtown safety measures, including lighting, camera systems, and coordination with the police department and TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission).

Key details: Staff noted one violent incident in the parking lot behind Hotshots that was not reported to police and which became part of the councilrecord through video evidence. Staff recommended the change in part because many incidents occur as patrons exit—after service hours—and some occur outside Friday/Saturday. Councilmembers also requested staff explore city-funded measures to improve safety (street lighting, AI-enabled cameras, possible TERS funding) and asked for a consistent, citywide approach to conditions on alcohol-serving businesses based on incident data and objections from neighboring properties.

Ending: The motion to direct staff to begin the ordinance amendment process for the SUD carried 7to0. Staff will prepare an amendment for Planning & Zoning review and subsequent council action; the council also asked staff to provide a broader plan for consistent SUD enforcement and public-safety investments downtown.