ATLANTA — As Atlanta continues to be a destination for nightlife and culture, the nightlife scene has become increasingly dangerous over the past two years.
Crime near local bars and clubs lead Mayor Andre Dickens to create the city’s first nightlife division to tackle the issue. In April, Mayor Dickens appointed Kristin Edwards as the Manager of Nightlife and Culture under the Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife.
According to the city, Dickens created the role early on in his administration to serve as a liaison between the city and nightlife industry leaders and to provide resources and educational opportunities to the industry, such as “training day” workshops.
DJ J Nicks with HOT 107-9 has been on the Atlanta club scene for 18 years. He's witnessed the shift firsthand and says club security isn't equal.
“So, it's like you could feel safe, but then you might not feel safe because the way they pat me down is because I'm part of nightlife, I'm part of the radio station, I'm part of the culture of Atlanta. They don't pat me down like they pat everybody else down. So what if I was on some crazy BS one day?” Nicks said.
The city added cameras, shut down several clubs with ongoing problems, and offered safety training for businesses with a history of criminal activity.
But after two people were killed in a shooting at the Elleven 45 lounge in Buckhead over Mother's Day weekend this year, the concern is rising again.
“It's a joint effort with our office, the city council, the mayor; we're all working together, even our nightlife advisory council, we're looking at legislation and looking at ordinances um to ensure that we can keep this Atlanta nightlife ecosystem going and make sure it's safe and fun for everyone, Nightlife Manager, Kristin Edwards said.
She added "The city told us in May after the shooting, most business operators are complying and even benefiting from resources the nightlife division set up, but operators who endanger public safety must be held accountable."
A Fulton County judge ordered Elleven 45 to close permanently after the city filed a lawsuit seeking just that.
Richard Tang is on the nightlife advisory council. He owns three restaurants and bars in Atlanta and just opened his latest venture, Bar Diver, on Atlanta’s west side. He says he’s not worried about widespread crime, but everyone should be on the lookout.
I feel it's very isolated, you know. I don't feel like it's a citywide ordeal, you know. Um, is there crime? Sure. But I do feel that technology has shifted, and the ability to get the knowledge out there and to know about it happens a lot quicker, you know?” Tang said.
While the city continues to work to strengthen its relationships with owners and operators, DJ J Nicks says he notices the effort but wants to ensure that the owners don't prioritize profit over people.
“Safety first like this is your venue, this is what you put your heart. Butt tie, if you treat it like that and you always think like that every time you open up your doors, you're gonna be alright.”
Editor's note: The video in this story has been updated.