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Council weighs extended New Year's Eve hours for two businesses as police and fire warn of crowding risks
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Summary
Owners of two Broad Street establishments petitioned for a one-hour New Year's Eve extension; fire and police officials opposed the extension citing October overcrowding and staffing limits, while applicants said they have improved security and would hire additional staff if approved.
Two businesses asked the Central Falls City Council for extended New Year's Eve operating hours on Dec. 1; the request prompted extended public safety discussion after fire and police officials recounted an October incident involving overcrowding at one location.
An owner seeking extended hours said the business has made security upgrades and asked for the ability to remain open an extra hour on New Year’s Eve to accommodate customers. "If I have to hire extra security, I will," the owner said, adding he would stop alcohol sales before midnight and clear the premises by 2 a.m.
Patrick, identified in the record as the fire marshal, and representatives of the police department opposed an extension for the nightclub at 494 Deck Street, citing an Oct. 25 call that found over 100 people present and described parking, sidewalk blockage and egress concerns. "We would not be able to do our job in an emergency situation," Patrick said, noting that the registered occupancy was in the mid-60s and that the additional crowd presented access problems.
Police staff also emphasized limited staffing on New Year's Eve, the expense of police details (two officers for four hours could exceed $1,000), and the risk of increased intoxication given later clearing times even where state law forbids serving alcohol after 1 a.m.
Business representatives countered that they had made security improvements, that subsequent inspections showed compliance with safety systems, and that some parking complaints came from nearby businesses rather than patrons. They proposed increased security, adjusted alcohol cut-off times, and operational steps to manage capacity if the council approved extensions.
Council discussion balanced concerns for public safety and support for local businesses; the record shows further consideration of conditional approvals and possible requirements (security plans, conditional policing details) but does not record a final council vote on the specific extension request during this meeting.
