New Law To Crack Down On Nightclubs

Tulsa city leaders are cracking down on after-hours night clubs. Two recent deadly shootings prompted the Tulsa City Council to take action. The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports a new law going into effect on Friday makes it tougher for nightclubs to stay open, after 2 a.m.

If clubs want to stay open past last call they're going to need a permit and if they don't have one, they can face stiff penalties.

In December of 2007, Eric Bell was gunned down at Club UV.

"Next thing you know there's a guy shooting over my head," said Eric Bell.

Less than three months later, gunfire erupts outside of The Hive; 23-year-old Phillip Greer was killed.

A loophole in the law allowed both clubs to stay open long after last call, but a new law is reigning in the after-hours parties and that's welcome news to Tulsa police officers.

"This closed all of the loopholes, uh, which is really going to make it safe for the citizens who go out to the entertainment clubs or the special events," said TPD Sgt. Terry Maurer.

Before, club owners just needed a letter claiming a non-profit organization was sponsoring the after-hours event.

Now the group has to buy a $150 permit and a member has to attend the event. They also have to run a security plan by Tulsa police.

"By having Tulsa police, the fire department, neighborhood inspections doing the checks prior to receiving a permit. It's going to make my job, my officers' jobs a lot easier," said Sgt. Maurer.

The new law also cracks down on violators.

If club owners are caught after-hours without permits, they could face a $1,200 fine and up to six months in jail.

The News On 6 checked with the city and no one has applied for one of these permits yet.

So for now, all clubs should shutdown at 2 a.m.