LAPORTE | City officials here are considering two moves to stem acts of violence in the taverns highlighted by a recent fatal stabbing — closing the bars earlier and require bar owners to install video surveillance cameras.
The proposals are touching off debate on whether bar owners are being unfairly targeted.
LaPorte resident Sierra Sue Jesch told the City Council on Monday the best solution is to hire more police officers.
"You are pointing the finger at others, who are pointing three fingers back at yourselves," said Jesch.
Marcus Phelps, a star receiver on the 2006 LaPorte High School football team, was fatally stabbed Aug. 29 outside Lucky Bar in the area of Madison Street and Lincolnway.
Justin Lower, 26, also of LaPorte is charged with murder.
Violence at local bars is nothing new with the city council recently adopting a measure that calls for possible fines and other punishment at all properties where a local ordinance violation gets issued three times over a 60-day period.
City Councilman Ron McAtee, who sits on the city's Code Enforcement Board, said two weeks ago that requiring video cameras inside and outside all of the bars is being discussed by the board to assist police investigating any future violent acts at bars.
Ordering all bars close on weekends at 1 a.m. and midnight during weekdays is also being given serious consideration, he said.
He realizes such a measure would not be popular with everyone but feels it's something that's needed.
"There's an old saying that nothing good happens after midnight. I don't necessarily agree with all of that but we've got to show that we're doing something. That might be a possibility," McAtee said.
McAtee agrees with some residents who believe part of the answer rests with having more police officers to provide greater presence outside the bars and in the downtown area where most of the tavern violence has occurred.
A hard look is being given at hiring an additional three to four officers for a department that has, for several years, been understaffed due to budget constraints.
Kate Pollock, who helps operate her family-owned Ogle's Inn at 603 Michigan Ave., said they can serve until 3 a.m. but always have chosen to close at 1:30 a.m. on weekends and midnight on weekdays as a way of preventing unruly behavior.
She would be against having to close sooner, saying problems in the bars have much to do with the type of customer and behavior each of the taverns are willing to tolerate.
"All bartenders should do their best to determine who is served depending on their behavior, always reserving the right to refuse service to those who are inappropriately dressed and/or are displaying inappropriate behavior," said Pollock.
According to Indiana State Excise Police, bars in Indiana can operate anywhere from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. seven days a week.
However, municipalities have the right to adjust those hours as along as they are within the state permitted time frame, police said.