Indianola’s late-night establishments have been put on notice.
Police Chief Ronald Sampson, Fire Chief Orlando Battle, Fire Inspector Otha James and City Inspector Jamal Mayfield told the board of aldermen on Monday that they have started to crack down on businesses staying open after 2 a.m., who throw or encourage block parties and serve alcohol without a license, sometimes to minors.
“They need to be locked by 2 a.m.,” Sampson said, “Not getting ready to close.”
Ward 5 Alderman Sam Brock told his fellow board members it is time to crack down on the late night establishments, even floating an earlier closing time.
“We have had some situations the last couple of weeks with block parties and maybe too many people in the same building, and we need to identify them,” said Brock, adding that it would take efforts by the police, fire and inspection department to accomplish this.
Sampson said the team has been visiting every nightclub in the city, making sure all facilities are within the city guidelines, adding that some have been exceeding their capacities.
Sampson said that the last part of the team to combat these late (or early) parties is Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control, an agency he said will be joining the effort in the near future.
All nightclubs have been made aware of all inspections and why the facilities are being inspected.
Sampson said the clubs may no longer manipulate their business by moving chairs around to make more capacity.
Sampson told the board they are within their authority to take away any business license of an establishment that does not adhere to these laws. For that matter, there are some businesses operating without licenses, he said.
The team has received pushback from some business owners, claiming they are being targeted individually. Sampson said that is not the case.
“Don’t worry about the other club just make sure you are right,” he said.
No motion was needed by the board.
