Dallas ramps up efforts to crack down on alcohol licenses of ‘irresponsible businesses’

The city of Dallas plans to ramp up efforts to crack down on irresponsible businesses’ alcohol licenses to address safety concerns in nightlife districts.

The push comes even as police data shows violence is down in Dallas’ main nightlife division. The Central Division, which includes Fair Park, Deep Ellum, downtown, Uptown and Lower Greenville, has seen a 4.3% drop in violence this year for a total of 837 offenses, 38 fewer compared with 2021, according to police.

However, murders are up citywide and in the Central Division. Spates of shootings throughout the year have prompted public safety concerns from residents, visitors, musicians and event hosts.

Now, the Dallas Police Department plans to create a new police unit focused on Deep Ellum. Earlier in the year, shootings on Greenville Avenue led Dallas to sue two bars, Bar 3606 and OT Tavern. OT Tavern later closed.

In a memo to council members this month, Deputy City Manager Jon Fortune said city departments will meet every other month to discuss crime data, track active permits and “establish specific public safety goals and objectives for businesses that fall within DPD’s strategic priorities.”

He said the city will also coordinate regular inspections to ensure compliance with city code, general safety measures and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission standards.

Businesses that fail inspection will be “referred to City Prosecution for escalated enforcement,” which will include litigation and challenges to alcohol permit renewals, Fortune wrote.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, who is up for reelection next year, asked city staff this summer “to be relentless in our pursuit of public safety policies and partnerships that can make a measurable difference in our communities.” The crackdown on alcohol permit renewals was one of many priorities he listed to address public safety concerns.

Community groups have also worked with the city to implement new crime-reduction strategies in Dallas’ nightlife districts. Earlier this year, the Deep Ellum Foundation launched a comprehensive community safety plan in partnership with police, other community groups and city officials.

24HourDallas, a local nonprofit, has pushed the city to prioritize Dallas’ “night time economy” — which it defines as businesses that stay open between 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. City agencies can build better relationships with businesses instead of relying on enforcement and regulations, said Bryan Tony, 24HourDallas’ project manager.

Dimitrios Mastoras, co-founder of Safe Night LLC, which partners with 24HourDallas, said the goal is for agencies to view themselves as “one piece of a puzzle.” Improved trust with businesses could solve crimes faster because stakeholders work together, Mastoras said.

The group also partnered with police and other agencies to hold training for businesses, such as in the event of an active shooter.

“This is long-term work for long-term outcomes,” Mastoras said. “This isn’t just flooding the area with extra patrols. This is changing the way you do business in a nightlife area.”