Metal detectors, security officers could be required under new BYOB ordinance in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Metal detectors and security officers are some of the changes that could be required under a proposed ordinance for BYOB businesses in Abilene.

Thursday, Abilene city council members will consider approving an ordinance that would regulate and require permits for Bring Your Own Beverage Establishments.

The following criteria would be required for BYOB establishments to receive permits to operate in the City of Abilene under the proposed ordinance:

1. A BYOB establishment must meet all requirements to obtain a BYOB permit
   before operating a BYOB establishment.
2. A person must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to apply for or hold a
   BYOB Permit, and may not hold a BYOB Permit or manage a BYOB Establishment
   if the person has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that directly relates
   to the duties and responsibilities for operating a BYOB venue, including offenses
   that involve any regulated substances.
3. The BYOB Permit must be prominently displayed at the BYOB establishment.
4. The BYBO Permit Holder must be on the premises while the BYOB
   establishment if open for business.
5. All persons entering the BYBO establishment must walk through metal
   detectors or hand wand detectors must be utilized.
6. The exterior portions of the BYOB establishment
   must be well lit during business hours.
7. The BYOB establishment must provide at least
   one security officer per 50 patrons.
8. Security officers must have at least a Level II non-commissioned security
   guard license.
9. The BYOB establishment must have a working security video system with low
   light recording capabilities.
10. The BYOB establishment may not be open during the hours of 2:00 AM to
    7:00 AM Monday through Saturday, and 2:00 AM to Noon on Sundays. This
    is the same as establishments that sell alcoholic beverages.
    11.Owners, operators, employees and agents of the
    BYOB establishment may not consume alcohol
    during business hours.
11. The owner consents to entry and inspection of the premises by law
    enforcement, code enforcement, or other government personnel at all
    reasonable times.
12. Violation of the BYOB permit ordinance may result in revocation of the
    permit, issuance of a class C misdemeaor citation, and/or filing of a civil suit
    by the City of Abilene to seek a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each day a
    violation occurs

“The purpose of this Ordinance is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the
City of Abilene by monitoring and regulating BYOB businesses,” a document outlining the proposed changes explains.

If 5 council members vote to approve the BYOB Permit Ordinance Thursday, it will go into effect as proposed.

This proposed ordinance comes on the heels of a third shooting at an after-hours BYOB hookah lounge on N 6th Street in Abilene.