Now Winston-Salem residents are speaking out against the city’s proposed public safety ordinance:
About 50 people attended a public hearing on the proposed ordinance at Joel Coliseum. It was the second meeting in two days. On Monday, bar and nightclub owners were invited to talk about the proposal.
Residents such as Keith Murphy said yesterday that without specifics, and without checks on police power, businesses would be operating under a cloud if the ordinance is approved by the Winston-Salem City Council.
“Nightclub owners have every right to be afraid of the vague wording of the city’s proposed ordinance,” Murphy said. “Until clear criteria are provided as to what makes a business closable under the unsafe clause, and the term ‘promoter’ is better defined, the ordinance is a constant threat to small businesses simply because the laws could unfairly be enforced selectively.”
This isn’t brain surgery. Trouble breaks out in bar. Owner calls cops. Cops show up and do what needs to be done. Yes, I realize such simplicity had tragic consequences for Officer Howard Plouff. But Keith Antoine Carter is behind bars right now, awaiting a very public and emotional trial.
