New Haven Mayor John Destefano is proposing a legislative action plan to make the city’s nightlife safer.
“Almost a quarter of the homicides this year are connected in some ways to a nightclub,” said Robert Smuts, New Haven’s Chief Administrative Officer.
The Mayor’s five part plan was presented to the Board of Alderman last week. Ideas include establishing a nightclub tax district where venues would pay to maintain a police presence. Another proposal would require background checks, training and licensing for club bouncers.
“All five of these proposals require the state to act; the city does not have the authority to do them by themselves,” Smuts said.
The Mayor’s office hopes the proposal will be discussed by Aldermen, residents and nightclub owners to help find some better solutions to curb violence related to nightclubs and bars.