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Mt. Healthy council adopts ordinance requiring certified police security for late‑night retail
Summary
The Mt. Healthy City Council on Nov. 5 enacted Ordinance 24‑2053, adding a new section requiring a certified police officer to serve as security at retail establishments open between about 2:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.; the council suspended the two‑reading rule and approved the ordinance by a 7–0 vote.
Mt. Healthy — The Mt. Healthy City Council voted unanimously Nov. 5 to adopt Ordinance 24‑2053, which adds a new provision to the city code requiring a security guard for retail businesses open between approximately 2:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.
The ordinance was presented in revised form at the meeting and includes penalty language and a specification that the required security must be an officially certified police officer rather than private security personnel. Councilors voted to suspend the usual second‑reading requirement and moved immediately to adoption. The vote on both the suspension and the ordinance itself was 7–0.
City staff said the change is intended to address overnight safety at businesses that remain open in those hours. During council questions, staff said there would be a 30‑day period before the ordinance takes effect so that affected businesses have time to adjust. Staff identified Speedway and White Castle as examples of establishments that could be affected based on their hours; UDF was discussed as likely unaffected because it was reported to close at 1 a.m.
The procedural steps at council were: a motion by Mr. Parsons to suspend the two‑reading rule, seconded by Mr. Young, approved by roll call 7–0; followed by a motion by Mr. Redding to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Mr. George, and approved by roll call 7–0. The ordinance is recorded on the agenda as number 24‑2053 and the city clerk announced that it passed by a 7–0 vote.
The ordinance text (as read to council) adds a section identified as 110‑110 to the Mount Healthy code of ordinances and sets out citation and fine language for noncompliance. Council and staff described the measure as a regulatory step targeting safety during late‑night operating hours; staff said they have discussed the change informally with some businesses but will allow a 30‑day window before enforcement.
Ordinance 24‑2053 was adopted at the Nov. 5 meeting. The council did not identify a specific enforcement start date beyond the 30‑day notice; the city clerk will publish the final ordinance and effective date following standard posting and notice procedures.
