Frederick Police say it’s a way to solve problems associated with after hours businesses such as bars & restaurants.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Nighttime Economy Task Force was put together to address some of the issues associated with after hours businesses in Frederick such as bars and restaurants. Some of those issues include increased noise, liquor law violations, underage drinking and patrons committing crimes inside these establishments.
“It really just a way for us to address some of the issues stemming from businesses that serve and sell alcohol, especially as we’re coming back to life here around the world,” says Police Chief Jason Lando.
The Task Force, consisting of the Frederick Police, State’s Attorney’s Office, the Liquor Board, the Health Department and the Division of Fire and Rescue Services, will make contact with these business owners and work with them on ways to curb these problems.
He says it’s not intended to be punitive toward these establishments. “If they’re not interested in that, then obviously we have to do what we have to do,” says Lando. “But the goal is to bring everyone together and be a little be creative in how we solve these problems.”
The purpose is to achieve voluntary compliance. “The way we start is just by making contact with the establishment owner and saying ‘hey, are you aware that these things are going on. We want you to be a good neighbor. We want you to be a good business owner. How can we help you,'” says Chief Lando.
The Task Force will be meeting once a month.
Chief Lando was a guest recently on WFMD’s “Morning News Express.”
By Kevin McManus