LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A newly amended ordinance that will require certain private businesses to hire licensed security guards will be enforced by Louisville Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, who drafted the new public safety ordinance that passed in a nearly unanimous vote Thursday, said for those businesses deemed a "nuisance," the enforcement process should be equitable.
Under the original ordinance, most businesses could be cited after two enforcement actions within a year, while hotels would need five. An enforcement action is not limited to an arrest — it can include a citation or a police report. Once cited, it was previously up to ABC's discretion to require a business to hire licensed security guards for a period ranging from 90 days to one year, depending on the severity of the crime.
Now, the amended ordinance makes it an immediate requirement for businesses that are cited as illegal activity properties and that operate between 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. to hire security.Â
The required security period breaks down as follows:
- One year: If a deadly weapon was used
- Six months: For violent crimes without a weapon
- 90 days: For non-violent crimes such as theft
The proposal drew opposition from the Louisville Hospitality Association, which argued the ordinance unfairly targets bars and restaurants and said existing laws already give the city authority to address businesses linked to crime.
"The LHA is opposed to this ordinance as written, as it will create unjust financial burdens for small business operators," LMHA said in a written statement Thursday. "Law already exists on the books to deal with 'nuisance properties.' The term 'late night businesses' is predatory, and application of this law should not be limited to businesses duly licensed to operate during the hours of 2am-5am."
The ordinance's passage followed months of debate over late-night safety, including violent incidents at businesses along the Bardstown Road corridor and other parts of Louisville.
A shooting outside Atomic last month raised new concerns about late-night crowds after the bar’s liquor license was temporarily suspended. The license was later reinstated after the business agreed to implement additional security measures.
Hawkins said the issue is personal for her.
"There's no way we can have a better city unless we all work together effectively," Hawkins said. "I watched my brother protect citizens, clubs, people, employees for years, and, one day, somebody drove down Broadway and shot him in the head."
The ordinance took effect immediately.
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