Mayor seeks amendment to Chippewa law

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says he'll sign a new age restriction law for the Entertainment District, but he wants some changes made.

The mayor sought tougher legislation to bring civility to the Chippewa District. But Monday, he announced he would be willing to go along with Buffalo lawmakers and test out their ideas.

"We think we have reached a compromise," said Brown.

That compromise would keep people under 21 out of Chippewa bars after 10 p.m. on all nights, barring Thursdays. The Thursday exception, when co-mingling will be allowed, will be given six months to see how it works. The pressure will be on bar owners to make sure it works well.

Brown explained, "The sunset provision that councilmember Darius Pridgen and I have agreed to really puts a lot of onus on the business owners to work together and to make sure that Thursday is a successful night if they want to see Thursdays continue after the month of October."

The legislation is aimed at curbing violence in the Chippewa District when underage drinkers co-mingle with an older crowed.

Councilmember Pridgen said, "Anti-violence groups have stated, now we can concentrate on really being there on Thursday nights to help keep calm. And I thought that was very encouraging."

Police will step up patrols in the district on Thursdays, including uniformed and plain clothed officers.

"If there are egregious violations of the police department, definitely, can shut down an establishment," warned Brown.

The mayor and lawmakers are hoping bar owners will keep the areas around their bars safe, including parking lots. The final vote on the law takes place on Tuesday among councilmembers.