LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Metro Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong (D-8) on Thursday announced bipartisan support for her late night safety plan which would include funding to add three Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) positions to Metro’s workforce and funding for bar security trainings.
What You Need To Know
- A Louisville councilwoman has earned bipartisan support for a late-night safety plan for Louisville's entertainment industry
- The plan provides thousands in funding for training bar security staff and three ABC positions, which would staff high-traffic bar corridors on weekends
- Bar security training would teach how to properly screen patrons for firearms, de-escalation strategies and Narcan administration
- Armstrong's office is also funding a pilot project to make security cameras more visible on Bardstown Road and adding security cameras to high visibility pedestrian areas
In a press release, Armstrong said the investment in ABC would allow for dedicated staffing on weekends for high-traffic bar corridors like Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue. Armstrong is also forming a workgroup with bar owners to develop best practices surrounding security, including offering trainings for bar security staff.
“I believe that good policy comes from collaborative conversations with all stakeholders. Policy is at its best when elected officials and impacted groups work together to find solutions. That is what happened here.” Armstrong said. “We all share the same goal: ensuring a vibrant, thriving nightlife while also making sure that people can enjoy that nightlife safely."
Armstrong was joined by bar owners and other members of the late night entertainment industry who expressed support for the plan.
“We are grateful to the councilwoman for hearing our concerns and being willing to come to a solution that would provide more resources to bar owners and workers, to allow us to continue to operate during our high-traffic hours, and implement safety protocols that benefit all of us,” said Kelsey Westbrook, beverage and events coordinator at NoraeBar.
The proposed funding also includes $10,000 for bar security trainings. Those would cover how to properly screen patrons for firearms, de-escalation strategies and Narcan administration.
Develop Louisville will increase paid Ambassador staff to include the Bardstown Road corridor to address beautification and litter issues, as well as act as liaisons with businesses and residents, Armstrong said. Her office is also funding a pilot project to make security cameras more visible on Bardstown Road and adding security cameras to high visibility pedestrian areas.
“I just want to thank Councilwoman Chambers-Armstrong for her strong leadership on this very important public safety issues for our city. Her ability to work with our bar owners and citizens to find solutions to these issues is very much appreciated," Metro Council President David James said. "Thank you to our citizens and businesses for speaking up and letting your voices be heard, this is how good public policy is created.”
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