Downtown Madison has been calmer and for the most part violence free since police placed restrictions on Club Majestic, 115 King St., in late September.
However, it remains to be seen if things will stay that way, or if violence will erupt again as displaced patrons search for new entertainment venues.
A summer full of bartime problems, including large street fights and altercations at Club Majestic came to a head during the first week of September when the Madison Police Department responded to a large fight at the bar. Police claimed to have encountered patrons beating each other over the head with glass bottles when they arrived at the scene.
After that incident, the city and the club came to a compromise over new restrictions on Majestic's liquor license. DJs are no longer allowed at the venue and the club can fill to capacity only when it charges admission for concerts, comedy acts or other performances that do not involve a DJ. Any entertainment must end by 1 a.m.
The club has since been put up for sale by the Schiavo family, which has owned and operated Club Majestic since 2002.
Central District Police Commander Mary Schauf said King Street has now been peaceful for nearly a month.
""We have not seen a resurgence of the problems since [the restrictions] went into effect,"" Schauf said.
Natasha Bachman, manager of Opus Lounge, 116 King St., agreed when asked about the calmer environment.
""It's really nice to know that I'm safe leaving here and my staff is safe, as well as our patrons,"" Bachman said.
The restrictions placed on Club Majestic have forced patrons looking for a similar atmosphere to move elsewhere. However it is not clear if they are going to other downtown clubs or out of the city altogether.
""We have seen an increase in business but I can't say for sure that was because of the restrictions,"" Bachman said.
The lack of recent problems may lead some to believe Club Majestic was the cause of this summer's violence. The Great Dane, 123 E. Doty St., King Club, 114 King St. and Kimia Lounge, 14 W. Mifflin St., all offer DJs and hip-hop but have not seen significant bartime disturbances.
The lull in violent activity in the downtown tavern area has given hope to residents and officials alike that clubs can be enjoyed without danger.
""It is good to be able to go out without having to worry if violence is going to happen anywhere,"" said UW-Madison Senior and capitol neighborhood resident Michelle Heinecke. ""I don't want to have to be scared of violence.""
