In a continuation of the R Place on Park alcohol license revocation hearings, Madison Police Chief, Joseph Balles, proposed a security plan and the Alcohol License Review Committee modified the plan Thursday night.
According to a Madison city ordinance, the chief of police has the authority to issue a security plan when he or she feels it is warranted for the safety of a community. The proposed security plan included nine regulations, all of which the ALRC reviewed.
The regulations include safety precautions such as complying with capacity requirements, monitoring side entry doors and maintaining an incident log of altercations that occur on the premises.
The most controversial regulation of the security plan involved a contract between R Place management and a private security firm.
In the original plan, Balles proposed that two uniformed, armed private security officers monitor the bar and the parking lot. They would provide service every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to close.
Rick Flowers, the manager of R Place, strongly opposed the independent security implementation due to potential costs incurred on his business. According to Flowers, his business, which has a capacity for 47 people, could not support the financial means necessary for independent security implementation.
Ultimately, the ALRC agreed by consensus to implement one security guard from 10 p.m. to close and have another assist from 1 a.m. to close.
On Dec. 15 another hearing will be held for more witnesses to testify and to ultimately conclude the case.
