While several nightclub owners are adamant about remaining open late, the truth is that none of them should be open at all according to city leaders.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to allow nightclubs to remain open until 1 a.m. on the weekends. But at the time the decision was made by the city council, not one single nightclub even had a permit to be open.
“At the time you voted, not one person had a permit,” said Mayor Diane Delaware, to the aldermen. “We don’t have to explain to people that they have to have a permit to operate a business. They know, and we know.”
City Clerk Kaneilia Williams said many of the permits have expired. But that each nightclub was given a written document from the city to remind them to renew their licenses. She said no renewals have been made.
“I am still wondering why clubs are still open in Yazoo City,” Delaware said.
Police Chief Ron Sampson said no clubs within the city are in compliance with the law. Aside from permits, no club has the necessary insured security.
According to the city ordinance, “one security officer shall be provided as required in this section when 50 or more patrons are present; and two security officers shall be provided as required in this section when 150 or more patrons are present; and one additional security officer shall be provided as required by this section for each additional 100 patrons. Those persons acting as security personnel must register with the Chief of Police of the Yazoo City Police Department and shall be subject to a background check…obtain a personal liability bond in an amount not less than $10,000.00.”
Sampson said every document surrounding insured security turned into his department has been rejected.
“They are not properly insured,” he said. “We have had three turn them in, and all three have been turned back. We are starting to check more often and hoping everyone comes into compliance. They need their proper insurance. They are not insured under security. No one is in compliance.”
Delaware said she has been against extending nightclub hours from the beginning. And she said the nightclub owners who are complaining about the hours shouldn’t even be open to operate.
“If you want to open your club in Yazoo City, you have to be in compliance with the law,” she said. “While you come in here making a ruckus to stay open until 1 o’clock…the truth is, you shouldn’t be open at all.”
“That’s their own fault,” added Alderman Ron Johnson. “But they are going to have to follow the law.”
