Mar 15, 2008 10:33 am US/Eastern
Boston Police Crack Down On Theatre District Clubs
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
-
-
Boston's Theatre District
WBZ
Boston police will be out this weekend checking on clubs in the city's theater district.
They are focused on problems in the neighborhood after a shooting at Aria night club about two weeks ago.
"Club goers should see an increased presence, some officers in uniform, some in plain clothes in and outside of the clubs," said Boston Police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll.
Driscoll said some are checking for licensing violations, like serving alcohol to minors, overcrowding, and failing to provide a safe environment. Also, youth violence officers will be tracking potential gang activity. They were inside Aria for that reason when a customer fired shots at a crowd on Feb. 24.
At a Boston Licensing Board hearing this week, 18 clubs around the city were brought up on various alleged violations. There were reported incidents of violence outside establishments, including a stabbing and a shooting.
A board member told one club manager, "You have an obligation to make sure it's safe not only inside the premises, but directly in front of it, in the environment."
On any given night, police say the area is busy and often out of control. In fact, a WBZ crew witnessed that very early Friday morning, catching some scuffles on camera. Club goers outside clubs on Tremont Street argued and shoved each other as a bouncer intervened just before 2 a.m.
Police and Boston EMS were also busy responding to various calls.
The chairman of Boston's licensing board, Daniel Pokaski told WBZ that officials have been focused on several clubs, including Aria, for months.
He says there are others on the list of clubs being watched, including Roxy, Rumor, and Venu.
"If, in fact, they don't get the message from this board, if they're not behaving in a proper manner, we can revoke their license," Pokaski said.
As for Aria, police say the plan to hold the club responsible for the shooting that happened there. Club managers are due to appear before the licensing board next month.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
