BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) – The Erie County Legislature is calling for a crackdown on mixed events following an increase in youth violence in Chippewa.
Officials told Seven News’ Yocelyn Persson that Chippewa is the only place where amusement bars cannot mix without a permit from the city council.
“We are urging our stakeholders, the downtown business district, residential neighborhoods and the city council, to come together to make firm decisions about how mixing really happens,” said Howard Johnson of the Erie County Council. I am asking,” he said.
Amusement bars like Venu and Bottoms Up must get a city permit to allow people between the ages of 18 and 20 to party with people of that age.
Some, like Alexus Garcia, who works for the Chippewa Strip, wouldn’t mind lawmakers making changes.
“Before I was 21, I remember partying a lot, like bottoms-up,” she says. “It’s good, but it can also come with bad moments and bad things. Now that I’m an adult too, it would be wise to do away with this.”
Garcia also has safety concerns about mixing.
“There can be spooky things in the world, and on top of that, an 18-year-old shouldn’t be going through or staying here until 4 in the morning,” says Garcia. “While I have school the next day and party with 30-year-old adults.”
Elected district councilor Darius Prigen breaks regulations.
“Chippewa is the only one who has to ask permission at this point,” he said. “If there are other places that have that entertainment license, you can socialize without notifying the city or permitting it.”
Pligen even said that several Chippewa amusement bars have signed up for a joint event as they all go out for summer fun.
“But there were so many applications that I was hesitant to approve them all,” said Prigen. “So next week, I’m planning to meet with people involved in the area.”
Pligen said he plans to trial several nights in Chippewa before approving the blending request.
