Welcome !     Search Menu   Log In

News Updates

Define Search Criteria

Select Focus    Select Issue * General Hospitality Safety Development Community Education Policy     * General Public Safety Mixed Age Venues Future of Music Traffic Safety Pedestrian Safety Late-Night Transportation Economic Impact Diversity Events Cafe Society Bookend Generations Split-use Districts Smoking Ban Displacement Multi-use Sidewalks Enter keywords separated by commas    Enter a word or phrase to search for

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Wilmington Searches For Creative Ways to Tame Nightlife Wilmington, NC- In recent years, the city of Wilmington has experienced flourishing nightlife vibrancy due to the growth of the nearby college and the opening of various bars and nightclubs in the area. Although this growth in Wilmington’s nightlife district has been accepted throughout the community, new issues related to public safety have arisen which have left the city attempting to brainstorm potential creative solutions to these newly burgeoning issues. The city’s answer to the issues (including public intoxication, public urination, fights, and general disorderly conduct) has been to work out a proposal in which private security would play binary rules: to ensure the safety of downtown patrons and to act as guides for visitors. A tax would be imposed on property owners in the district which would then cover the costs to maintain the security. In addition, a “privilege license tax” would also be imposed on venues which stay open past a given time, which would in turn pay for the cost of added police. Brian Freskos brian.freskos@starnewsonline.com, Star News http://www.starnewsonline.com/ 2/26/2011

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Sydney: The City That Never Sleeps? Sydney, Australia — To promote Sydney as a "world class" late night city, city council staff have developed a new plan to establish late night operating hours for museums, art galleries, cafes and retail outlets. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the policy would be developed in consultation with the State Government, NSW Police, Transport NSW, the liquor industry and the community. “Currently most cultural venues and cafes operate normal business hours and are not often open till late," said Moore. “It needs to change – it’s time Sydney catches up to the rest of the world.” The strategy forms part of the Lord Mayor’s broader plan to curtail alcohol and drug related violence. Government News http://www.governmentnews.com.au 2/17/2011

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Obama to Call for $53B for High-speed Rail Washington, DC — President Barack Obama has unveiled a six-year, $53 billion spending plan for high-speed rail, $8 billion of which will be included in his upcoming budget proposal. In the State of the Union address last month, Obama announced that he wanted to give 80 percent of Americans access to high-speed rail within 25 years. Transportation is the backbone of sociability, and if the project comes to fruition it will bring a new era of metropolitan connectedness to America. Jeff Mason, MSNBC http://www.msnbc.msn.com 2/8/2011

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Wiener Proposes Economic Study on Nightlife San Francisco, CA — New Superintendents on the Board of Supervisors won’t shift the ideological balance, but new practices and announcements are already emerging. Sup. Scott Wiener has proposed a a study of the economic impacts of entertainment and nightlife in the city. “It’s important that we understand the size and reach of this industry as we consider regulating it,” said Wiener in a press release. “Without this information, it’s difficult to make informed decisions and to enact effective policies concerning entertainment and nightlife, which are a key part of San Francisco’s cultural identity." Steven Jones, The San Francisco Bay Guardian http://www.sfbg.com 2/1/2011

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Taxi Cab Drivers Protest New Regulations Monterey, CA — Cab drivers from three different companies in the Monterey Peninsula held a protest on February 1st to express their opposition to a new licensing authority. A dozen workers from the Central Coast Cab Company, Yellow Cab and the Associated Cab Company staged the manifestation in front of the Monterey Plaza Hotel. The new Monterey County Regional Taxi Authority, run by the Monterey-Salinas Transit agency, has unveiled new regulations to stop drivers from skipping out on paying fees, holding monopolies in certain zones and winning "sweetheart deals." The drivers have responded that the new regulations will put them out of business through high inspection costs, permit costs and coverage requirements. KSBW The Central Coast http://www.ksbw.com 2/1/2011

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Community Toilet Plan ‘Would Save Thousands’ Exeter – England: The city of Exeter in southern England has introduced a new community toilet plan to reduce current costs (approx. £250,000 yearly) for providing public toilets while continuing to address the community need for public facilities. Within this plan, the city council pays businesses £600 to allow non-patrons to use their restrooms. Ninety businesses are participating in the plan, totaling £54,000, a significant cost reduction. Anne Byrne, Express & Echo http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/ 1/21/2011

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article City Council Discusses How to Handle Walnut Creek’s Drinking Problem Walnut Creek, CA — As Walnut Creek has transformed into a nightlife hot spot, arrests for public intoxication and drunk driving have risen significantly. Additionally, Walnut Creek’s newer nightlife establishments are subjected to strict ordinances while the older businesses do not have the same standards imposed upon them. This has created major issues between numerous stakeholders, and has caused the city to rethink its ordinances. Martha Ross, Walnut Creek Patch http://walnutcreek.patch.com/ 1/19/2011

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Paris: Clean, Green, and Wheelchair Accessible, Paris’s Public Toilets Are Pretty Sweet Paris, France — The city started to utilze public facilities-called ’sanisettes’ powered by rainwater, skylights, and recyclable materials. These facilities are heated and automatically washed after use. Alex Davies, Treehugger: A Discovery Company http://www.treehugger.com/ 1/9/2011

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Victoria’s Solution to Public Urination Victoria, BC - Victoria’s ongoing problem with public urination has dwindled due to space-efficient, open-air toilets around the city’s nightclubs. The toilets are spiral-shaped and open-air, deterring illegal activities such as drug use or prostitution while still allowing for privacy. Although these facilities are not suitable for women, the strategic placement near to nightclubs and other nightlife venues significantly dissuades public urination. Justine Hunter, The Globe and Mail http://www.theglobeandmail.com/ 12/19/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Safe Streets Taxi - Marseilles Taxi Fills Transportation Need Marseilles, IL – Joe Percodani, owner of Marseilles Taxi, started his business in hopes to reduce drunk driving and to encourage drivers to leave their car behind. He provides half-off fares to bar patrons who agree to not drive. "I gave one guy from town a ride home from a bar and I didn’t charge him nothing because he was too drunk. I said ’Look, this is on me. I just want you to get home safe,’” said Percodani. His cab is a Mercedes-Benz sport-utility vehicle with four-wheel drive. "For some of my customers this is the first time they have been in a Mercedes, and they seem to like it." Recently, the Marseilles City Council granted Percodani a business license to operate from his home. Charles Stanley charless@mywebtimes.com, My WebTimes http://www.mywebtimes.com/index.php 11/2/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Pubs Getting Into Transportation Business Okanagan, Saskatchewan – According to local bar and pub owners, new drinking and driving penalties in Okanagan have been causing people to drink less. To support this loss in revenue, bar and pub owners are now offering affordable transportation services to encourage more business and provide a safe way home for patrons. “Dave’s Sports Bar in Kelowna has joined forces with a nearby restaurant to offer patrons a $5 ride home with a designated driver. The driver will take your vehicle home; another driver will then pick up the first driver.” The bars and pubs all agree that the service alleviates patrons’ concern about the drinking and driving penalties. Blaine Gaffney, Global Saskatoon http://www.globalsaskatoon.com/ 10/29/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Rapid City Looks To Expand Rules On Late-Night Ride Services Rapid City, SD – Transportation for hire services in Rapid City could be required to get business licenses and meet the same standards as taxicabs. These businesses would also need to maintain a minimum level of general and automobile liability insurance in order to be licensed and to keep their vehicles in safe, operating condition. Curt Dugger, owner of Scooters, said his sober ride service does not make much money to begin with, and even a small city licensing fee could lead him to consider closing. Scooters’ employees drive customers’ vehicles to their desired destinations and then ride back on a scooter that was stowed in the trunk. Ward 1 Alderman Gary Brown, who served on the task force, said licensing all vehicles for hire would help the city address concerns about certain operators and make sure everyone is subject to the same security and background checks. “It gives the police department and the city a little control over who’s out there driving and trying to pick people up,” Brown said. Emile Rusch, Rapid City Journal http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/ 10/27/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article In Port Richey, Noise Rule Creates Dilemma For Restaurants Restaurants and bars in Port Richey are experiencing “uncomfortable silence” issues with an antiquated noise code still being enforced. Council members plan to discuss the noise law, but they haven’t made any promises to change it. Council member Bill Colombo defended the law by saying it’s a simple conflict: protect the rights of residents to peace and quiet, or defend the desires of businesses to set the mood. This particular grievance, the council said, has been an issue for years. Residents say the river carries sound just like it carries fish. Meanwhile, business owners allege that without the entertainment atmosphere for outdoor venues in the Florida beach town, they will continue to lose patrons during the already slow winter season. Drew Harwell, St. Petersburg Times http://www.tampabay.com/ 10/10/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article S.F. To Make It Easier To Open Eateries San Francisco, CA – A new initiative was recently announced in San Francisco to create an Inter-Agency Restaurant Consultation Team, consisting of representatives from the Office of Small Business, Department of Building Inspection, Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Department of Public Health, Planning Department, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the Police Department, Municipal Transportation Agency, Department of Environment, and the Entertainment Commission. The team will work with qualified restaurateurs to simplify the process to resolve all conflicting inter-departmental permit, code, fee and licensing issues and provide clear permitting instructions and directions, in writing. To promote San Francisco, “restaurants have stepped up to support their employees’ health and economic well-being, and the City in turn can provide greater certainty and support to entrepreneurs going through the process of opening a restaurant. By proactively engaging the industry through a more targeted business assistance and relationship-building effort, we can become a more effective problem-solver, partner and advocate,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom in relation to the new team. Eric Young, San Francisco Business Times http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/ 10/9/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Shopping Malls Crack Down On Teens Shopping centers around the U.S. are considering ways to ban teenagers under 18 from malls. Dozens of malls currently have parental escort policies on weekend nights that require people under 18 to have a parent or guardian nearby. The policy is intended to remove the potential for trouble (shoplifting and fighting) that can erupt when kids get together without supervision. "They’re treating 17-year-olds like they are babies who need supervision or juvenile delinquents who should be behind bars," one book author told ABC News. "There’s a lot of self-fulfillment in that policy." Kim Peterson, MSN Money http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Commentary/ByDate/InvestingThisWeek.aspx 10/6/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Hall Deemed ’Camera Ready’ By Atlanta Movie Studio Atlanta, GA - According to the state Department of Economic Development, Georgia’s film industry is "thriving." More than 700 film and television projects were shot in Georgia in 2009, ranking the state No. 1 in the Southeast and among the top five states in the nation for film and TV productions bringing in more than $590 million in investment, representing an economic impact to the state of over $1 billion. One of the incentives used to lure movie and television production companies to Georgia is the state Entertainment Industry Investment Act which offers an across-the-board flat tax credit of 20 percent based on a minimum investment of $500,000 on qualified productions or projects in Georgia. Ken Stanford, Access North Georgia http://www.accessnorthga.com/ 10/5/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Pascagoula Proposes Entertainment District To Boost Tax Dollars Pascagoula, MS – City leaders in Pascagoula are proposing the implementation of an entertainment district with theatres, sporting arenas and other entertainment based businesses in the area. A councilman for the city said the state has agreed to give developers tax incentives such as accelerated depreciation of taxes for five years to get more attractions. Patrice Clark, WLOX http://www.wlox.com/ 10/3/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Yale Students Arrested In Downtown Nightclub New Haven, CT - Police in New Haven shut down a nightclub one recent Friday night in what they have called "Operation Nightlife." The catalyst for the initiative was the eruption of gun violence on College and Crown streets at closing time. During “Operation Nightlife,” SWAT team members inspected the nightclub accompanied by fire marshals and liquor control agents and identified numerous violations, including under-aged drinkers. Two students were arrested and one was tazed after police say he struck an officer. New Haven Assistant Chief of Operations Ariel Melendez said the police in no way acted inappropriately and that the operation had been announced in advance. WTNH Channel 8 http://www.wtnh.com/ 10/2/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article PA Senate Committee Hears Testimony On What Can Be Done About Liquor License Saturation In South Side Pittsburgh, PA - Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee came to the South Side district of the city recently to learn more about liquor license saturation and the economic impact of liquor on communities. Invited to testify at the hearing were representatives from Pittsburgh city council, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, law enforcement, development organizations and a neighborhood community group. The purpose of the hearing was to gather information on finding a balance between the economic impact of liquor sales in the community and safety in the neighborhoods. The recommendations under consideration by the Senate and Justice Committee for the Pennsylvania State Liquor Code include creating separate definitions for restaurant/eating establishments and bars. Further, they will consider whether to allow cities to enact zoning that would permit distinguishing between bars and restaurants, as well as whether or not to limit the number of bars in areas where the saturation level exceeds three times the approved state levels. Tom Smith, South Pittsburgh Reporter http://sopghreporter.com/ 9/28/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Our View: Hospitality Staff Need To Show Restraint Bay of Plenty Times, New Zealand - The Bay of Plenty Times’ most-recent monthly list publishing the names of every drink-driver convicted in Tauranga District Court turned up several people working in the hospitality industry, including two bar managers, two chefs and a kitchen hand. Hospitality association head Bruce Robertson was quick to point out that the industry did not condone drinking and driving and also pointed out the possibility of the offences occurring on the worker’s day off, and there being no connection between the offending, and the offender’s workplace. Bay of Plenty Times http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/ 9/28/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Wilmington Approves Guidelines For Alcohol Permits Wilmington, NC – New groundbreaking guidelines in the issuing of North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control permits in Wilmington could act as a statewide blueprint for other towns struggling with nightlife challenges. The guidelines, drawn up by the Vision 2020 committee following studies by the Wilmington Downtown Inc. Nightlife Task Force, established an application procedure, defined city policy on outlet density and suitable locations, outlined best practices for landlords, and set policy for continuing existing licenses. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with the city’s noise ordinance, zoning code, fire department occupancy limits and all other statutes and laws. Also, landlords of ABC outlets must provide tenants’ contact information to the city and enforce leases when tenants break laws or deviate from best practices. Although the state will continue to be the final arbiter of North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control permits, it will take local preferences into greater consideration. Patricia Matson, Lumina News http://www.luminanews.com 9/23/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Party Promoters May Have To Register With City San Francisco, CA - New legislation in San Francisco would require party promoters to register events online so that the city can monitor potentially at-risk promoters and venues. “Promoters with a record of putting on events in or outside San Francisco that resulted in violence or other troubling behavior would face tougher regulations, including more-extensive security, liability insurance and criminal background checks of employees…The intent of my legislation is to have as minimal an impact as possible on good party promoters while ensuring that The City closely regulates party promoters that have a history of problems,” said David Chiu, President of the Board of Supervisors. Joshua Sabatini jsabatini@sfexaminer.com, San Francisco Examiner http://www.sfexaminer.com/ 9/22/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Nightclub Ban Scheme ‘A Success’ Aberdeen, UK – More than thirty patrons found to be unruly or caught with drugs have been banned from Aberdeen nightspots in the last year because of the new Unight campaign. Introduced by police, pubs and clubs, the campaign aims to make the city centre a safer place on weekends. According to police, drug detection rates in the city centre have more than doubled over the same period, while serious assaults in pubs and clubs have gone down by nearly a fifth. Chairman of Unight and manager at the Liquid nightclub, Mark Donlevy, said, “We are sure the message is getting through that late night venues will not tolerate crime or disorder.” Ross Davidson, The Press and Journal http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk 9/20/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Lincoln Last Call Gets Mixed Reviews Lincoln, NE – Downtown music venues and college bars were quick to adopt the 2 a.m. closing time approved by the City Council. Bar owners have said the later closing time will help Lincoln compete with Omaha’s entertainment scene. Omaha adopted the 2 a.m. closing time in July. Some bar owners were opposed to the later closing times, stating they didn’t “think that many Lincolnites are that interested in staying out later.” City Council Chairman John Spatz said city officials intend to monitor the effects of the change and, if necessary, seek legislation giving cities more authority over liquor outlets. The city also plans to start a beverage server licensing program that would require servers to be trained in recognizing when customers have had too much to drink. Spatz said he had one overriding reason for supporting the change. He feared that if Lincoln kept its 1 a.m. last call, more residents would go to nearby towns and possibly drive home drunk. Leslie Reed leslie.reed@owh.com, http://www.omaha.com Omaha World Herald 9/18/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article S.F. Police Present Plan To Curb Club Violence San Francisco, CA – Per request by Mayor Gavin Newsom, the police department has compiled a list of recommendations to counter recent violence outside nightlife venues. For example, police suggest that entertainment venues permitted by the city be required to have security cameras, metal detectors and ID scanners that electronically store a patron’s driver’s license information for at least 15 days. Additional suggestions include requiring all security staff to be registered with the state Department of Consumer Affairs and requiring that venue owners create a security plan that meets the police chief’s approval. According to the author, some of the department’s suggestions are likely to be opposed by civil rights advocates as an invasion of privacy, and club owners may view some as expensive and impractical. Mayor Newsom’s spokesman, Tony Winnicker, explained that the recommendations are preliminary and only one step in a lengthy process that includes input from club owners and promoters. John Coté jcote@sfchronicle.com, San Francisco Chronicle http://www.sfgate.com/ 9/17/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Another Downtown Property Owner Expresses Concerns About Late-night Food Cart Operations Lawrence, KS - Downtown landlord Doug Compton has urged city commissioners to reject a permit that would allow the Last Stop Snack Shop to open the city’s first post-midnight food cart operation in a downtown Lawrence location. Compton leases space to three restaurants in the block and he said they shouldn’t have to compete with a food cart that will operate cheaply on publicly owned property. Jason Mandel said he and his partner’s proposed street cart business — which would sell hot dogs, hamburgers and other quick-snacks — would be similar to many other late-night food stands that operate in college communities. Mandel said it would provide a good service to bar patrons who want food but shouldn’t be driving to get it. Chad Lawhorn, Lawrence Journal World and News http://www2.ljworld.com/ 9/14/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article City’s Investment In Bar Watch Worth It Nanaimo, BC - The implementation of the Bar Watch program has greatly improved public safety associated with the city’s nightlife. Since Bar Watch membership has significantly reduced incidents of public disorder and thereby police costs, the city is offering a significant incentive for bar owners to continue with the program: a one-time reduction in their business license fee from $1,100 to $165. Nanaimo Daily News http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/index.html 9/13/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Night-time Economy Worth £66bn To The UK UK - According to a study by economic groups TBR and MAKE, the night-time economy is worth £66 billion. “Despite the lurid headlines about binge-drinking and violence, at TBR and MAKE we take a positive approach to the night-time economy,” the researchers said. The study also found that 10% of the UK’s workforce is employed in pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and theatres. James Wilmore jamesw@thepublican.com, The Publican http://www.thepublican.com 9/10/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article New Ordinance Reduces Downtown Drinking Problems Gainesville, FL – From 2006 to 2008, the Gainesville Police Department spent about $222,000 on overtime pay to patrol downtown on weekend nights. But since the department established a special downtown bureau in 2009, the time-and-a-half overtime costs have all but disappeared, and now the department has a set shift for officers patrolling the area. Since 2006, drinking incidents have dropped significantly from over 900 to below 500 in 2009. A new twist to the crowd control will be aimed at motorists as opposed to the bar hoppers, as police have started closing off some portions of pedestrian-heavy streets at about 10 p.m. Chad Smith chad.smith@gvillesun.com, Gainesville Sun http://www.gainesville.com/ 9/9/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Police Take Ohio DUI Campaign To Bars & Restaurants Ohio - In an effort to prevent drunk driving, the Cuyahoga County DUI task force has developed a marketing campaign by placing anti-DUI posters in bars and talking urinal cakes in men’s bathrooms. With the assumption that one of the last places men visit before driving is the toilet, the special devices warn of special Ohio DUI patrols. Users are reportedly mixed on the creative advertising, though troopers are quick to point out that at least people are talking about the dangers of drunk driving in Ohio. DUI.com http://www.dui.com 9/8/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Entertainment District’s Not Ready To Go Dark Yet Toronto, ON – The entertainment district is seeing a shift in trends to a multi-functional 24/7 neighborhood that blends residential, work and social life. As the population in the area continues to rise, the city finds it important to get “rid of the bad clubs” while the “new ones have to live by the rules: No underage serving, no blocking fire exits and they have to get along with their neighbours.” Fostering a shift from the “club kid” era of the past to a more revitalized community that doesn’t thrive on one industry alone, the city hopes to have a more entertaining and diverse area. Rachel Sa rachel.sa@sunmedia.ca, Toronto Sun http://www.torontosun.com 9/3/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Broader Police Effort Pledged For South Side Pittsburgh, PA – Police and business owners in Pittsburgh, PA have pledged to help with the growing problems in the South Side district of the city. Police will meet with owners of alcohol-serving establishments to discuss the state of the district and to discourage pub crawls and drink specials that may contribute to excessive drinking. A group of bar owners and other businesspeople is pooling money to pay for additional police patrols and cleanup crews each weekend. The plan proposes to treat a weekend in the area more like a major event with coordination from different city departments. Joe Smydo jsmydo@post-gazette.com, Pittsburgh Post Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com/ 9/3/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Extending Bar Closing Hours, Licensing Buskers Recommended For Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB – A group of residents, club operators, landlords, police, non-profits and other organizations on Jasper Avenue have created a list of nightlife recommendations for the city. Among the priority action steps is to allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m., but still cut off alcohol sales at 2a.m., in order to reduce the “rush hour” that occurs with a common closing time. The group also proposes the creation of a standard disclosure form to inform new residents of nightlife activity in the area before they move in, since the area around “a building that doesn’t look very active in the daytime might be very much different at two in the morning." Additional recommendations include a dedicated police unit and licensing street performers to increase the diversity and quality of the performers. Gordon Kent, Edmonton Journal http://www.edmontonjournal.com/index.html 9/3/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Private Security Guards To Supplement Police Patrols In Downtown Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA – The city of Santa Cruz has contracted First Alarm Security to help patrol the downtown area of the city in what they hope will reduce crime. According to Kevin Vogel, interim police chief for Santa Cruz, three security guards trained in municipal ordinances and equipped with police radios will work from 7am to 3pm daily for one month at a cost of $5,000. After the trial period, the program will be evaluated to determine its continuation. Currently, the downtown area is more heavily patrolled in the late afternoon and evening, so the extra staffing will enhance existing security efforts. Jennifer Squires jquires@santacruzsentinel.com, Mercury News http://www.mercurynews.com/ 9/3/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Elyria Bar Owners Talk Safety With Police Elyria, OH - Bar owners and police in Elyria met recently to discuss problems with nightlife in the area. The meeting was described as being “pretty open and not antagonistic or blaming people. It was…a group of people coming together to make things better.’’ Bar owners vow to enhance current efforts to police patrons and keep out underage drinkers, while the police have also agreed to work more with local establishments to remove criminal activity in and around bars. Police made three main suggestions to bar owners: No one under the age of 21 should be admitted; no guns, knives, weapons or drugs be allowed; and if weapons or narcotics are found, patrons should be prohibited from entering bars and bar owners should call the police. Lisa Roberson, Chronicle Telegram http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/ 9/2/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Councilman Kraus Demands Change For South Side Pittsburgh, PA – After a recent shooting in the South Side area, City Councilman Bruce Kraus emphasized the need for the city of Pittsburgh to change the way it manages nightlife. Currently, the city “has provided garbage receptacles, deployed police bicycle patrols and taken other measures to help the community,” but Kraus asserts the city will need to make additional changes to resolve safety challenges. Recently, his administration released a comprehensive plan of suggestions on topics such as public transportation, a parking strategy and late-night code enforcement. Joe Smydo jsmydo@post-gazette.com, Pittsburgh Post Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com/ 9/1/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Love Thy Nightlife Miami, FL – Ever-evolving nightlife continues to shape life everyday, impacting the economy and culture significantly. Recently, owners of LIV nightclub and the Miami Marketing Group (MMG) have invested in a new nightlife experience at the Miami Dolphins stadium, bringing ”South Beach nightlife to the NFL. Alan Phillips, nightlife columnist, writes about the nightlife industry, “We have gone from an underground counter-cultural movement, to a multi-billion dollar industry controlling the tastes and employment of millions of people.” He continues by explaining that the experience is an essential piece to the hospitality equation. Alan Phillips, ClubPlanet.com http://www.clubplanet.com/US/New-York/ 9/1/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Violence Crackdown: Valley To Be Treated ’Like Schoolies’ Brisbane, Australia - A new plan released by Premier Anna Bligh in Queensland proposes a 40% increase in police officers on patrol and new legislation to ban troublemakers from entertainment areas. The Drink Safe Precincts trial, a statewide strategy to combat incidents in key entertainment areas, follows a 12-month parliamentary inquiry into alcohol-fueled violence in nightclub areas. Many recommendations have already been implemented, including a provision requiring businesses to provide free water for patrons in nightclubs and designated “safe zones” for anyone in distress. On Friday and Saturday nights the area will have a coordinated response team consisting of police, venue staff, paramedics and welfare workers providing assistance to anyone in need. The strategy will be funded by taxpayers in the first 12 months but then, Ms Bligh said, nightclubs and hotels would be asked to "put some money on the table." Amelia Bentley SethHeitz@mac.com, Brisbane Times http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ 8/30/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Heavy Drinkers Outlive Non-Drinkers, Study Finds A new paper in the journal, “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research” suggests that abstaining from alcohol does tend to increase mortality rates in comparison to heavy drinkers. Moderate drinking, which is defined as one to three drinks per day, is associated with the lowest mortality rates in alcohol studies. Moderate alcohol use is thought to improve heart health, circulation and sociability, which the study asserts is important because “people who are isolated don’t have as many family members and friends who can notice and help treat health problems.” John Cloud, Time http://www.time.com 8/30/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Downtown Rochester’s Nightlife Posing Problems Rochester, MI – As nightlife businesses grow in downtown Rochester, new problems stemming from the nighttime activity is causing concern for business owners and residents. The downtown alliance is hoping to receive a stronger police presence and ordinances to help quell the crowds. A task force has been assembled, consisting of police, business owners, and downtown residents to develop solutions. WCCO-TV http://wcco.com/ 8/28/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Co-op 1, Obnoxious Bar 0: How A Board Won An Anti-Noise Case New York, NY – Co-op residents in a building next to the rooftop bar of the Empire Hotel in the upper westside have won a case regarding a complaint that the establishment was playing music on its outdoor terrace at noise levels higher than permitted by the city of New York. As many complaints were made, no violations were ever committed, but as the attorney for the co-op claims, "unfortunately, you cannot rely on (regulatory) agencies to issue violations when violations are occurring." Frank Lovece, Habitat Magazine http://www.habitatmag.com/ 8/27/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Kitcat Calls For Public Agency Meeting On Brighton’s East Street Night Economy And Releases Online Video Of Residents’ Experiences Brighton and Hove, England – An “inter-agency summit” has been proposed to create solutions for the nighttime economy. Participants will consist of council officers, police, club managers and residents. Representatives hope to rely “on the good relations (already) established with some of the venues in the street.” City Councilor Kitcat has released a video online depicting what a typical Friday night is like on East Street and how it affects the residents’ quality of life. Brighton and Hove Green Party http://www.brightonhovegreens.org/localsites/bh.html 8/27/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Bill Could Lower Military Drinking Age A new bill proposed to Congress could allow active duty 18 year old service members to legally purchase wine and beer in restaurants on bases, which are federal property. Underage service members would still not be able to purchase any alcohol at military exchanges or stores. The bill will come up to vote in mid to late 2011. Susan Taylor, NBC San Diego http://www.nbcsandiego.com/ 8/26/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Police Move Against Party-Fueled Violence New York, NY – A recent spike of nightlife-related crime in Lower Manhattan has led NYPD officials to initiate a “Late Tour Violence Reduction Plan.” A new Cabaret/Conditions unit will be established in which a sergeant and five officers will work from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. These officers will be responsible for monitoring all nightlife locations and addressing any associated crime, quality of life and traffic issues. Additional operations targeting prevention of underage drinking will also be conducted. Further, the precinct’s field-intelligence officer will concentrate on gathering information and warning precinct supervisors about any upcoming special events at bars and clubs. Many club and bar owners expressed support for the plan with the condition that the Cabaret Units be well informed on the attributes of nightlife and the social events going on in the area. Sean Gardiner, Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/home-page 8/23/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Nightlife: Club Owners Bash Nuisance Points System Rochester, NY – The city council in Rochester has voted to place a six month moratorium on the nuisance point system used for nightlife establishments. A debate between bar and nightclub owners with the city government has found the system to be complicated, unclear and ineffective in addressing safety and quality of life challenges. The point system assigns points to establishments for illegal activities such as drug offenses, gambling, and prostitution. Accumulation of points can lead to closing the business. Many business owners allege that police officers are inconsistent in their decisions to fine or issue points to an establishment, and further believe the system disproportionately targets establishments owned and frequented by minorities. The police have responded by stating they treat all owners and patrons the same. Due to current challenges with the system, business owners, city council members and community residents are pushing to create an advisory board to evaluate and oversee the distribution of points in the future. Christine Carrie Fien, Rochester City Newspaper http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/ 8/11/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Five Points Merchants Offer Alternative To 2am Bar Closings Columbia, SC – New challenges have arisen in the Five Points downtown district as the area has become a destination for underage to loiter on the sidewalks past midnight. Fights and several shootings have been associated with their presence. The business association has proposed that Columbia should create a new curfew at midnight for people 17 and under since no businesses but bars are open after 10pm in the downtown district. Jack Kuenzie jkuenzie@wistv.com, WIS News 10 http://www.wistv.com/Global/category.asp?C=1682&nav=menu36_1 8/10/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Rowdy Partiers In Seattle Face Tickets Seattle, WA – City council in Seattle has passed a new law allowing police officers to issue civil infractions to people in “nightlife zones” located in urban areas such as Belltown. Police will now be able to write tickets for up to $100 to individuals who create unreasonable amounts of noise, threaten others or fight between the hours of midnight and 5a.m. The law is part of a more comprehensive plan that Mayor Mike McGinn has recently unveiled for nightlife in Seattle, such as a proposed extension of bar closing time past 2 a.m. and updates to the city’s noise ordinance. After six months the ordinance will be reviewed for additional changes. Chris Grygiel chrisgrygiel@seattlepi.com, Seattle PI http://www.seattlepi.com/ 8/2/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article South Side Bar Owners Try To Keep The Peace Pittsburgh, PA – Bar and restaurant owners in the South Side have joined forces to address nightlife challenges by establishing the South Side Responsible Hospitality Partnership. The organization has pooled together $60,000 thus far to fund additional city police officers and weekend clean-up crews, which will cover not only East Carson Street but also side streets where homeowners have reported disturbances. Business owners plan to engage in community service projects as an additional effort to reduce tension with community residents. The group will also host an annual Responsible Alcohol Management Program to educate bar owners and servers on responsible alcohol service, recognition of fake IDs, and conflict resolution. Business owners have proposed making the hospitality partnership part of the South Side Planning Forum, now composed of representatives of six community groups. Joe Smydo jsmydo@post-gazette.com, Pittsburgh Post Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com 8/1/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article City Seeks Ideas For Reducing Crime In Entertainment District Jacksonville, FL – To reduce the number of rowdy crowds, fights and other challenges related to alcohol in the city’s downtown district, a workshop was organized to develop collaborative solutions to the area’s problems. More than eighty community residents, police, government and food and beverage representatives attended. Among the ideas that emerged from this collaborative workshop include prohibiting use of advertised specials such as drink nights and free drinks for special groups. Other initiatives under consideration include closing the main street in the entertainment district to traffic after 5 p.m., increasing lighting to make people more visible and less likely to commit crimes, and prohibiting 18-and-up nights at bars and restaurants that sell alcohol. Further, the city may also require businesses that sell alcohol after midnight to obtain a permit. Caren Burmeister, The Florida Times Union http://jacksonville.com/ 7/30/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article No, You Can’t Get There From Here Attleboro, MA – The newly formed Southeastern Massachusetts Transportation Alliance has held several focus groups to identify the top barriers and needs that passengers and potential patrons have with the current system. The top three needs were found to be evening service, connections between regional bus routes, as well as more information and marketing support from existing services. Other challenges include limited availability of information accessible to passengers with visual impairments or in different languages. The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District has proposed introduction of a ride-sharing program, active involvement with local employers and a cooperative use of smaller public transit vehicles by various agencies. Rick Foster, Sun Chronicle http://www.thesunchronicle.com/ 7/28/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Bellingham City Council To Discuss Draft Music Noise Ordinance Bellingham, WA – In response to complaints from the music and nightlife industry about music venue performances being shut down due to current regulations, city council has proposed an update to noise restrictions. The proposal suggests a limit of 85 decibels for the downtown area between the hours of 10 am and 2 am, and must be down to 55 decibels any other time. All other areas of the city would be held to a maximum of 75 decibels. Violations of the ordinance will be complaint-driven when issued by citizens. A comprehensive yearly report will be compiled by the police department which will include the following information: number and location of noise complaints by neighborhood, outcome of citations written, and a general discussion of compliance with the law and its effectiveness in managing complaints and reducing noise nuisances. Sam Taylor, Bellingham Herald http://www.bellinghamherald.com/ 7/25/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Mayor Comes to Pike/Pine to Launch Plan to Overhaul Seattle’s Nightlife Laws Seattle, WA — Mayor Mike McGinn and the Seattle Nightlife Initiative have unveiled an eight-point proposal for creating a "safe and vibrant" nighttime economy in the city. Throughout the summer, City Hall will consider proposals, gather feedback and refine plans to alter state regulations and craft new legislation in Seattle. Among the eight points are nightlife strategies such as flexible liquor service hours, security training requirements, precinct community outreach and re-assessment of the city’s late night transportation options. "The challenge is on us. How do we work together to create the community we want?" McGinn said. "We all have a stake in our city and our neighborhoods." Frances E. Dinger, Capitol Hill Seattle http://capitolhillseattle.com/ 7/14/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Seattle Nightclub Owners Have Ally At City Hall Seattle, WA – Mayor Mike McGinn has worked closely with the members of the Seattle Nightlife and Music Association to develop a comprehensive plan to address noise and violence challenges associated with nightlife activity. The principle initiative under consideration is whether to extend closing hours at clubs and bars to alleviate disturbances caused by patrons simultaneously “spilling” out onto the streets at 2 a.m. Other initiatives include more streamlined code enforcement, new noise reduction ordinances, mandatory training for bar security, regular meetings between nightlife businesses and neighbors, professional development for bar employees, more late-night taxi and bus service and public nuisance rules. To gain a better understanding of residents’ concerns, the mayor will speak with neighborhood groups and conduct an online survey before any initiatives are put into action. Emily, Sonia Krishnan Hefter, Seattle Times http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/home/index.html 7/14/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Downtown Revitalization Plans Revealed Winnipeg, MB, Canada — The City of Winnipeg’s downtown development agency has proposed major rezoning and district creation to revitalize the downtown. CentreVenture’s proposal would cut the northern section of Portage Avenue into four distinct zones – dUniversity, Retail, Sports and Entertainment and Commercial – each of which will see substantial redevelopment. The city hopes that the new districts will reduce public complaints regarding public intoxication, vagrancy and panhandling that accompany the sale of liquor in the area. CBC/Radio-Canada http://www.cbc.ca 7/7/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article ’08 Law to Train Bouncers Mostly Ignored Polk County, Iowa — A law that mandated training for Polk County bouncers has been mostly ignored and unenforced, reports Kerry Koonce, a spokeswoman for Iowa Workforce Development. Less than 100 people have been trained, even though the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division identified about 1,300 eligible establishments. The law, which requires that at least one bouncer per applicable venue receives training, was passed in 2008. Disconnection between the law and local ordinances has created a loophole to skip the $50, eight-hour training without consequences. Jason Clayworth, The Des Moines Register http://www.desmoinesregister.com 7/7/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Edgewood, Auburn Bars Could Pour Until 3:55 a.m. Under Councilmembers’ Late-night Bar Hours Pilot Program Atlanta, GA — Council members Kwanza Hall and Michael Julian Bond have introduced legislation to start a pilot program that would evaluate the impact of later bar closing hours on businesses, residents and city officials. The proposed program would target two downtown districts and historic streets that boast emerging nightlife, Edgewood and Auburn. The program would permit the serving of alcohol from 9 a.m. until 3:55 a.m Monday through Friday and until 2:55 a.m. on Saturdays, if the venue pays a $2,800 premium. The pilot also carries conditions: venues would be required to hire an off-duty police officer to provide security and could have their special status revoked at any time by the chief of police. “This pilot program will allow us to determine whether current hours of operation could be extended," said Hall, "and how the extension of this privilege should be managed by the city so as to serve the best interest and public safety of citizens and visitors.” Thomas Wheatley, Creative Loafing Atlanta http://clatl.com 7/6/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Traffic And Sociability A recent study at the University of West England concludes that “residents on the study street with heavy traffic had about one fifth the number of local friends and only half the number of acquaintances compared with the people living on a street with light traffic.” The people on the street with the lighter traffic said, “they felt a sense of community, frequently popped in and out of each others’ homes and said that they felt personally responsible for a much larger area.” The report suggests that city planners’ design should look at the mental and physical health of residents to foster a sociable community. 55 North Architecture http://www.55northarchitecture.com/ 7/4/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Which Are The USA’s Best Public Restrooms? Cincinnati, OH — Ten immaculately clean finalists have been chosen in the America’s Best Restroom IX contest. Cintas Corporation created the Best Restroom award in 2002 to honor businesses across America that place high value on hygiene and style in their public restrooms. "We like to think of this contest as a fun, light-hearted way of drawing the public’s attention to the very important issue of restroom hygiene," says Cintas Marketing Manager Rich Bing. "People don’t think about such things until they walk into a poorly kept restroom, and then it matters. After that, the odds are they won’t be back." Previous winners have included restrooms at the University of Notre Dame, The Grand Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. PRNewswire http://www.prnewswire.com 7/1/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Study: Cigarette Butts are Leading Cause of Litter in State of Texas Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation has released a new study which claims that cigarette butts are the single largest contributor to highway litter in the state. The study estimates that nearly 400 million cigarette butts were tossed on Texas roadways in 2009, accounting for 43 percent of roadside trash. The study, which was based on sample stretches of Texas roads, also estimates that total roadside trash jumped 33 percent last year, to 1.1 billion pieces of litter. The Lubbock Avalance-Journal http://lubbockonline.com 6/25/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article ’Ash Bags’ to Reduce Cigarette Butts Yellowknife, NT, Canada — The Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority has launched a new campaign to hand out "ash bags" at various locations across the city to reduce cigarette litter. "It’s basically a personal ashtray," said Jo Russell, health promotion coordinator, with the city health authority. "(It’s) giving smokers an option not to litter if there isn’t any ashtrays around." Russell added that Edmonton had a similar idea with personal ashtrays which inspired their campaign. Northern News Services Online http://nnsl.com 6/25/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Pittsburgh Council Wants Close Eye on Gang Initiative Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh City Council has approved $200,000 for the Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Crime, a social service program aimed at assisting gang members who want to turn their lives around. The council has also mandated quarterly reports to track the program’s progress. Police spokeswoman Diane Richard described the initiative as a "proactive approach designed to help resolve some of the violent criminal activity that is plaguing our communities." Adam Brandolph, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com 6/21/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Pleasant-Smelling Public Restrooms – A Tourism Boost Manila, Philippines — The Department of Tourism’s latest successful campaign centered on a very unusual secret weapon: pleasant-smelling bathrooms. In 2004 the Department officially recognized the importance that restroom sanitation holds in the tourism industry by spearheading the first-ever Toilet Recognition of the Year (TROY) Awards. The awards have promoted a culture of sanitation and hygiene among Filipinos, boosting tourism and introducing a fresh, even floral-scented outlook on hospitality. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation http://www.mb.com.ph 6/19/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article First Lady’s Plan Targets "Food Deserts" According to First Lady Michelle Obama, 17 percent of children in the United States are obese, and many more are overweight and have unhealthy eating habits. She says that the United States is full of “Food Deserts,” rural areas with limited access to vendors that sell healthy food. The Healthy Food Financing Initiative is a $400 million initiative geared towards reducing childhood obesity by encouraging healthy food and lifestyle choices. Specific projects include bringing more healthy food into rural areas via Farmer’s Markets, mobile food vendors and small local grocery stores. The hope is that by targeting local resources, this initiative will also help build community and help combat poverty by providing affordable healthy food for communities and fair direct trade for farmers and merchants. Landon Hall, Orange County Register http://healthyliving.freedomblogging.com/ 6/13/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Shh! Hotel Sleep Wardens Listen for Night Noise United Kingdom — Travelodge properties in the U.K. have announced the employment of specially-trained staff members, “Sleep Wardens,” to monitor nighttime noise and issue warnings to guests who are disturbing the peace. If guests continue to make excessive noise after receiving a warning, monitors tell the noisy guests to pack up their belongings and leave the premises. Travelodge, which advertises itself as a “retailer of sleep,” has conducted studies regarding what keeps guests awake at night; in the latest survey of 6,000 adults, money worries, work-related stress and noise showed up as the major causes of sleep deprivation. Although they can’t address the first two sleep-inhibitors, Travelodge’s new initiative aims to monitor “good bedtime etiquette” for guests’ nighttime benefit. Harriet Baskas, MSN http://www.msnbc.msn.com 6/10/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Sound Check: Recommendations Ready On Downtown Noise Control Elgin, IL – The Downtown Neighborhood Noise Task Force is ready to present to City Council new noise regulations and soundproofing measures. Bars, restaurants and live music venues near residents would be required to stay under 60 decibels at night, equivalent to a normal conversation between two people standing 3-5 feet apart. The committee suggested a grant and loan program to help subsidize the cost of soundproofing businesses and residents. The city would cover 50 percent of sound abatement, up to $5,000. The remainder of the costs could be taken up front as a loan from the city and repaid through an entertainment ticket surcharge to consumers. For downtown residents who still have legitimate noise complaints, the committee suggested a "last resort" option of 50 percent reimbursement, up to $2,500, to soundproof bedroom windows. Residents expressed recognition of the social and economic value of flourishing nighttime businesses, but also sought more peaceful coexistence with commercial properties in the mixed-use area. Mike Danahey mdanahey@stmedianetwork.com, The Courier-News http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/index.html 6/10/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Making Room For a Lowertown Resaissance Downtown Minneapolis is considering expansion of its outdoor dining along Sixth Street to establish Lowertown as a vibrant dining destination. The proposal calls for adding eight feet to the current ten foot wide sidewalk, allowing space for about twenty five more tables on the block’s patios. In turn, Sixth Street would be narrowed from four to three traffic lanes, and sixteen parking meters would be removed. Critics are concerned about the loss of revenue totaling $20,000 annually from the meters, and prefer a plan that would require landlords to pay for their own seasonal patios. Downtown stakeholders have requested more extensive dialogue about a comprehensive downtown sidewalk plan. Gita Sitaramiah gsitaramiah@pioneerpress.com, Pioneer Press Http://www.twincities.com 5/19/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Truckloads of Freaks, Strippers, Art and Noodles Drive NYC’s Lost Horizon Night Market New York, NY — New York is the home of a revolutionary new art event called Lost Horizon Night Market, an ongoing participatory project that spreads entirely by word of mouth. “Proprietors” rent a truck and create interactive art spaces, legality being the only restriction. There are no admission fees, and proprietors are requested to only ask for exchange or participation in return. “For one night, we make an autonomous neighborhood,” said Lost Horizon Night Market co-founder Mark Krawczuk, who enjoys spurring people to act on their creative desires. “I get a kick out of seeing people do stuff. I’ve got 40 people into the game … got people who’ve never done installation art before to do it.” Dan Glass, Wired Magazine http://www.wired.com 5/14/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Street Vendors Often First Line Of Defense: ’If Something Is Amiss, They Know It’ New York, NY - On the evening of March 1st, 2010, a T-shirt vendor in Times Square alerted the police to a suspicious vehicle, which upon further investigation was found to contain a failed bomb. Vendors expressed hope that the foiled bombing attempt would improve relations with police by bringing to light the important role they serve in the community. Spending long hours standing in the same place, they’re familiar with the neighborhoods and often can identify suspicious activities. In fact, vendors often act as the eyes and ears for the police, and have even been known to intervene when witnessing theft or pickpocketing. This event has sparked support for vendors as an asset to the community, rather than a nuisance to be enforced. Samantha Gross, The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com 5/13/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Iowa City Moves Closer To Panhandling Law Iowa City, IA - The Iowa City Council voted in favor of an aggressive panhandling ordinance that limits solicitation to a narrow strip in the center of the downtown pedestrian mall. The vote was the second of three needed for the ordinance to pass into law. The proposed move would keep panhandlers away from business fronts, 20 feet away from ATMs and 10 feet away from mobile vendors to address complaints from shoppers and business owners. However, local nonprofits are concerned about their ability to fundraise if the legislation passes since the new restrictions will also limit the number of people who will be able to canvass downtown for donations. Josh O’Leary, The Muscatine Journal http://muscatinejournal.com 5/11/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Norfolk Streets Safe Despite Extra Hours Norfolk, UK — Five years since the introduction of flexible hours for pubs and clubs, stakeholders such as police, officials and pub experts in Norfolk claim the strategy has been successful. The initiative led Norfolk nightlife to expand to meet the needs of young patrons, while many who previously had to travel to the city for late-night entertainment are now staying in market town venues. EDP finds that people are socializing closer to home and disorder has not risen. This research has coincided with mounting pressure among the new coalition government to review the licensing laws, which sought to bring continental-style café culture to the streets of Britain. Richard Batson, The Eastern Daily Press http://www.edp24.co.uk 5/7/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Mixed Uses And Incomes Makes San Francisco District Bloom San Francisco, CA - San Francisco’s Yerba Buena district, formerly a declining area full of vacant warehouses, has been successfully redeveloped into a vibrant community space where a mixture of families, food vendors, musicians and artist congregate and socialize. The district contains three “Central Blocks” comprising 22 acres of retail, entertainment, and cultural uses, including outdoor performances and cultural festivals. The San Francisco Redevelopment Agency contracts with the KTB company to manage the security, operation and maintenance program for Yerba Buena Gardens. Helen Sause, the project’s current director, contributes the area’s success to the team’s "cooperative atmosphere" since the planning and redevelopment process started in the 1960s. Project for Public Spaces http://www.pps.org 5/6/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Chicago Street Vendors Push to Reform City Laws Chicago, IL- Despite the growing popularity of prepared foods sold by street vendors in Chicago, most are prohibited from obtaining a license to do so. The consequences can include fines up to $200 or arrest. Vendors in Chicago are collaborating with the Asociacion de Vendedores Ambulantes (Street Vendors Association) in order to raise awareness and lobby for a policy change. Street vending is the primary source of income for many marginalized socio-economic groups and is a critical staple of immigrant neighborhoods. Business owners have expressed concerns, however, with quality of life impacts associated with vendors, such as noise, public urination, trash generation as well as attracting rodents. To address these concerns, AVA encourages members to take food sanitation courses and file the appropriate documents to pay taxes. Further, The Street Vendor Project, part of the non-profit Urban Justice Center, has created the Vendy Awards to recognize top-notch food and sanitation practices. Lisa D. Lenoir, Chicago Tribune http://www.chicagotribune.com/ 4/30/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Stance Shifts On Club Oversight San Francisco, CA — Discontent over nightlife-related violence and perceived lack of action taken against problem venues has led Mayor Newsom to call for the Entertainment Commission’s dissolution. The Mayor is garnering support to return nightlife regulatory power back to the police, including the ability to issue and revoke business permits. Meanwhile, the Commission’s strongest advocate, Kevin Ryan, former federal prosecutor, argues that restricting nightlife in the city will negatively impact businesses that attract visitors, and furthermore, that nightlife violence is due to “ ‘inadequate enforcement tools’ available to the Commission. John Cote, San Francisco Chronicle http://www.sfgate.com/ 4/18/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Kabul Nightlife: Thriving In Between Bombs Kabul, Afghanistan — Although the Afghan capital regularly experiences devastating terrorist attacks, nightlife still manages to flourish for the numerous high-salaried expatriates working in the city. Entertainment venues operate clandestinely like American speakeasies — though they are generally protected by 20-foot-tall blast walls and armed Afghan security guards. "It’s like dancing at the edge of a volcano," explains Anne Seidel, a German architect working for the U.N. in Kabul. Astonishingly, the city’s war-zone entrepreneurs provide restaurant diversity greater than Delhi, Karachi or Tehran, cities many times larger than Kabul. Unfortunately, because Muslims are not supposed to drink alcohol and most venues offer illegal alcohol, most armed Afghan guards won’t allow the patrons’ Afghan compatriots to come inside. Tim McGirk, Time http://www.time.com/time/ 4/13/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article A Whirlwind Tour Through Vermont World of Noise Pollution Burlington, VT — Noise pollution is a contentious issue for stakeholders in cities and suburbs across the nation, especially those in mixed-use districts or areas experiencing redevelopment; the specific definition of noise pollution and how much is acceptable has so far escaped consensus. Movements to settle this debate are gaining momentum, and leaders have emerged like Vermont author Garret Keizer, whose new book titled "The Unwanted Sound of Everything We Want: A Book About Noise" will be released on May 4. Les Blomberg, on the other hand, is the director of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse in Montpelier. Originally trained as a physicist, Blomberg directs a national noise-related database and has become an authority on noise. Mounting public debates on noise issues have been pitting economic vitality against neighborhood quality of life, especially in areas where economic growth is dependent on air traffic, such as South Burlington. Blomberg and Keizer, among others, are attempting to frame solutions to noise pollution debates before they further split stakeholders. Tim Johnson, The Burlington Free Press http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/ 4/11/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Code To Combat Alcohol Related Crime Launched South Kesteven, UK — District stakeholders have voiced their support for the Community Safety Partnership’s new code of practice, which was recently adopted to prevent alcohol related violent crime and disorder. The code defines how the partnership of key agencies including the District Council, the Lincolnshire County Council and the Lincolnshire Police will work together to effectively manage the night-time economy in South Lincolnshire. The code aims specifically to support the prevention of crime and disorder at night by improving public safety. Stakeholders involved hope the codes of practice will assist even the most experienced night-time operator to reduce crime and disorder, encourage greater safety for their staff and customers and make for a safer community. South Kesteven District Council http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk 3/31/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article More Liquor Stores Mean More Violence San Diego, CA — According to a new study of crime statistics and listings of liquor licenses in Cincinnati, the more bars and liquor stores in an area, the more violence there will be. The researchers, from Indiana University, claim that convenience stores and carry-out sites that sold alcohol were the most strongly associated with assaults, but that bars and restaurants that serve alcohol are also correlated with violence. The researchers did not have data about whether the crimes were alcohol-related, so the study is one of correlation rather than causation. They did, however, attempt to account for other factors that could skew the correlation. Clara Moskowitz, Live Science http://www.livescience.com 2/21/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article ’Best Bar None Better than Licensing Act’ UK — Lord Rupert Redesdale, chairman of Best Bar None (BBN), claims that the program has been more successful in reducing violence, encouraging partnership and promoting the late-night economy than the Licensing Act. He says that the BBN scheme in Durham has led to a 52% drop in crime and a 28% increase in trade at some venues. The program accredits pubs and clubs for the strategies they adopt to be responsible, including search policies and age-check procedures. “Politicians have an urge to introduce regulation on the drink industry but we have an opportunity to (address issues) through Best Bar None and it is cheap,” said Redesdale. “I’m trying to tell Government that we don’t need regulation." Ewan Turney, Morning Advisor http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk 2/7/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article District Looking at Hospitality Zone Columbia, MO — The Special Business District of Columbia is considering a comprehensive plan for revitalizing downtown by re-envisioning it as a hospitality zone. The district would focus on increasing safety and vibrancy through greater cooperation among stakeholders to maximize the economic and social benefits of a nighttime economy. The first phase of the plan includes instituting special event street closures, taxi stands, more trash and recycling receptacles, mandatory alcohol training for venue employees and a patron responsibility campaign aimed at students. The idea was formed after several city stakeholders attended a conference hosted by the Responsible Hospitality Institute. Justin Willett, The Columbia Tribune http://www.columbiatribune.com 1/13/2010

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Music Scene Crescendos Lexington, KY – “Music is show business, which means, you put on a show, and you gotta make money. The idea is, it’s a business," said Wil Freebody, founder of the Lexington School for the Recording Arts. "The truth is, it’s five percent show and 95 percent business. And that’s why this growing trend of Lexington’s music scene is about building the music industry here as a business.” With new music venues opening and many organizations in Lexington supporting the music scene, the city is being compared to other great music cities like Austin and Nashville. Professionals in the city agree that the key to the continuing success of Lexington’s expanding music scene is increasing community support for live music by getting the word out and making sure people are aware of who is playing where and when. William Gillespie, Business Lexington http://www.bizlex.com 9/3/2009

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Nightlife Dress Code Seen As Discriminatory Kansas City, MO – It is common practice for nightclubs to enforce dress codes, but some say the Power and Light District discriminates against young African-Americans and Latinos. The district-wide dress code bans sleeveless shirts on men, excessively baggy or sagging clothing, work boots and sports attire, where alcohol is served. The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and western Missouri has fielded numerous complaints from patrons alleging that the rules are not applied equally for all. The Cordish Company, developer and owner of the district, states that more than 20,000 people visit the district each weekend and argues that it hosts the most diverse crowd in the city. Sylvia Maria Gross, National Public Radio http://www.npr.org/ 6/25/2009

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Latex Could Silence Noisy Neighbors Cheap and effective soundproofing materials promise a higher quality of life for urban and suburban residents worldwide. Zhiyu Yang at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Kowloon says his team could make that promise a reality with latex and plastic buttons. By stacking five membranes of such material, each weighted and tuned to a different frequency, Yang claims that his team can create a soundproof panel that works in the range from 70 to 550 hertz. Colin Barras, The New Scientist http://www.newscientist.com 2/22/2009

Edit  View Full Listing Managing Sexual Assault Risk in Urban Nightlife: Individual-Environmental-Level Influences In this article, the author uses interview and direct observation data to examine the experiences of young people in two Philadelphia nightlife scenes, and the ways in which risk is managed for physical and sexual assault. The analysis reveals several environmental-level factors that shape risk exposure, as well as a number of individual-level tactics used to manage risk. Observations are discussed in terms of their implications for developing a risk management framework that accounts for the role of individual- and environmental-level factors in shaping victimization. Philip R, Tammy L Kavanaugh, Anderson, Taylor and Francis Publishing Deviant Behavior, Volume 30, No. 8, 1/11/2009

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Purple Flags For Binge Drinking-Free Towns London, UK — Britain has unveiled a new project to reward town centres that feature a variety of venues and little public disorder. Independent assessors will visit hospitality zones between the hours of 6pm and 5am on a Friday or Saturday night; the most important factor in qualifying for a purple flag will be a variety of pubs, restaurants, cafés and entertainment venues such as theatres, rather than an exclusive focus on drinking establishments. "If we can create an economy that is sufficiently diverse that families can come back, then we will to some extent remove the need for policing because they become self-policing," said Philip Kolvin, chairman of the Civic Trust, the organization that will launch the project. "Everyone we have spoken to about the scheme has been hugely enthusiastic." David Barrett, The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk 12/20/2008

Edit  View Full Listing The Girl Hunt: Urban Nightlife and the Performance of Masculinity as Collective Activity This article documents the collective nature of gender performance and sexual pursuit, activities typically associated with individual rather than group behavior. Drawing on narrative accounts, the author analyzes how young heterosexual male students employ the power of collective rituals of homosociality to perform sexual competence and masculine identity by “girl hunting” in the context of urban nightlife. These rituals are designed to reinforce dominant sexual myths and expectations of masculine behavior, boost confidence in one’s performance of masculinity and heterosexual power, and assist in the performance of masculinity in the presence of women. This analysis illustrates how contemporary courtship rituals operate as collective strategies of impression management that men perform not only for women but for other men. In doing so, interaction rituals associated with the girhunt reproduce structures of inequality within as well as across the socially constructed gender divide between women and men. David Grazian, Symbolic Interaction, Vol. 30, Issue 2, pp. 221-243, 1/1/2007

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article D.C.’s Nightlife Businesses Fighting Reduced Metro Hours Washington, D.C. — Nightlife businesses led by The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington are fighting a potential move to cut back the Metro’s hours. The Metro board of directors claims that closing at midnight rather than 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights would save $5 million annually and create an extra day each week for maintenance. The businesses maintain that early closing hours will seriously harm entertainment districts, as well as cause financial hardship and reduced hours for nightlife workers. "We are a world-class city, and we have a fabulous dining scene," said Lynne Breaux, the restaurant association’s president. "And the irony is D.C. and the federal governments are talking more and more about ... increasing train travel and transit, and to go backwards and limit the hours is nonsensical." Liz Farmer, The Examiner http://washingtonexaminer.com 2/14/2001

Edit  View Full Listing Culture and Collective Violence: How Good People, usually men, do bad Things This article provides the reader with an overview of mob mentality, or what the author calls "collective violence.” He outlines the reasons that individuals become involved in committing violent acts that most single actors would not have chosen to participate in. The author also describes the factors that contribute to riots, mobs, state perpetrated violence, and general aggression of crowds. Michael Bond, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Houston to Make Business Permit Process More User Friendly Houston, TX — The heart of Texas has a new method for issuing business permits: an online paycenter. Business owners in the city had been experiencing excessive complications getting their permits, having to go to several different city departments and receiving contradicting information throughout the process. City officials and business owners alike are hopeful that this innovative solution will make the licensing process simpler for everyone. Khou News Center

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Dogs, Cats Allowed in Outdoor Dining Areas North Carolina’s Public Health Commission has approved an amendment that will go into effect on July 1st allowing pets in outdoor dining areas. Under the new rule, animals will be allowed in outdoor dining areas as long as they do not pass through any indoor areas of the food service establishment and provided that they do not physically come in contact with employees or any items that may come in contact with food. Items include utensils, dishes, tableware, linens, or paper products. NBC-17 http://www.mync.com

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article ’Music Walk’ Hopes To Rock Downtown Fort Myers Fort Meyers, FL – Fort Meyers comes alive with local music every third Saturday in the downtown River District. Over thirty participating venues feature live music by local and regional talent in restaurants, bars, art galleries, and shops. After the city has spent millions in the downtown area on renovations, business owners are optimistic that the Music Walk will bring much needed revenue and attention to the downtown destination. The Hide-A-Way Sports Bar’s Greg Courtot states the cost to hire a band for the night - which could be as high as $500 - is nothing compared to the long-term benefits for the area. Matt Grant mgrant@fox4now.com, WFTX http://www.fox4now.com/

Edit  View Full Listing  Link to Article Plymouth Backs Night-time Economy Manager Plan Plymouth, Devon, UK — The City Council has announced that they will support the appointment of a night-time economy manager for the city but that they refuse to finance the position. The Stakeholders in Hospitality Licensed Retail (Stakeholders HLR) group, which has sought the appointment of an evening and night-time economy (ENTE) manager, welcomed the council’s support and stated it is aware of the financial constraints as the country wrestles with national debt. Stakeholders HLR chairman Tom Macpherson said the post could now be created under a proposed Business Improvement District (BID) for the waterfront. "The HLR sector recognizes the position of finances with the local authority and hopes to work in partnership to implement a Barbican, Hoe and Waterfront place manager," said McPherson. "This will hopefully lead to an independent company representing all businesses, not dissimilar to the City Centre Company and the success it has shown in five years in operation." The Herald http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/

Edit  View Full Listing The Social Context of Physical Aggression Among Adults In this academic article, the authors relay the results of a telephone survey of adults who had been involved in an incident of physical aggression in the past 12 months. They were asked open- & closed-ended questions regarding the social context of the most recent incident. Incidents that occurred in bars were more likely to involve male participants, drinking by the respondent & opponent, more than two participants, & low emotional impact. Incidents in public places also tended to involve males & drinking by the opponent. Aggression in social gatherings occurred primarily among friends or acquaintances & was reported equally often by males & females with most incidents involving both genders or males only. Incidents in the home were more likely to be reported by females than males & tended to occur between intimate couples, involve only two participants, & have high emotional impact. The usefulness of a contextual approach for developing a better understanding of naturally-occurring aggression is discussed. [Copyright 2002 Sage Publications, Inc.] Graham, Kathryn, Wells, Samantha and Jelley, Jennifer, Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Edit  View Full Listing Clubbing Masculinities and Crime: A Qualitative Study of Philadelphia Nightclub Scenes This article explores the relationship between masculinities and crime within the hip-hop (HH) and electronic dance music (EDM) nightclub scenes in Philadelphia. The authors posit that since extant theory and research show that gender is a situated performance, the social context of the nightclub setting offers an important opportunity to contribute to the ever-growing masculinities and crime literature because it is an understudied setting populated by atypical offenders. Direct observation of 33 club events and interviews with 24 male clubbers yielded three important patterns: (a) Men with consistently high masculinities (hypermasculine types) reported the most frequent involvement in nightclub crime, (b) men with consistently low masculinity scores reported the least involvement, and (c) men with variable masculinity scores put on a more hypermasculine identity while clubbing, leading them to engage in nightclub crime. Contextual factors, such as excessive alcohol use, heightened sexuality, competitiveness, and commercialism, explain this more nuanced relationship between masculinity and crime. [Copyright of Sage Publications Inc.] Tammy, Kevin, Laura Anderson, Daly, Rapp, Sage Publications, Journal: Feminist Criminology