On Thursday, among the agenda items the Tampa City Council discussed was imposing night club regulations. The need to impose the regulations is centered around what one Council member said was a pattern of problems at Club Manilla on 7th Avenue.

Councilman Frank Reddick established the fact that the club does have security personnel inside the club and off-duty officers outside.

Councilman Reddick said he hoped someone from the club would have been at the meeting to explain why the problems are occurring and what they are doing to correct them, but the owner, Fred Schwartz, nor any other representative of Club Manilla was present.

Representing the city’s legal department, Rebecca Hert explained that the city does not have the legal ability to regulate night clubs.

“What I would suggest is something that would allow us to regulate the business permit. That would cover all night clubs in the city. We also must clearly define what a night club is. We’ve modified our amendment to say if there is a cover charge or minimum drink requirement, a dance floor, and you’re open to the public in the late evenings, you’re operating a night club.”

Hert also said the size of the crowd determines how many off duty police officers have to be hired by the club.

“We have to determine if a club is a nuisance before it can be shut down through city action,” said Hert.

“Certain criminal activity also plays a role as well as violations such as illegal sale of alcohol to minors and drug possession. Some violations can result in the revocation of the club’s operating license. We also want to recommend that bouncers at clubs be licensed security guards.”

Councilwoman Lisa Montelione said the city is not regulating alcoholic beverages, but trying to adopt night club regulations.

“You can sell alcohol all night long, but not actually run the night club that long. We can regulate the hours of operation of a night club, but not the sale of alcohol.”

Councilman Reddick pointed out that you can go in a club at the age of 18, but you have to be 21 to buy alcohol.

Dr.  Jeanna MastroDicasa, a former Gainesville City Commissioner, and current Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Florida, said you can’t regulate hours of operation or the age limit at night clubs.

“We also discovered you can’t regulate excessive drink specials or the club’s licenses.”

Councilwoman Montelione said she wants to see the city hold the bar/club owners responsible. “I’d like to see us find a way to hold the right people accountable. Holding employees responsible is a concern of mine. I also understand in some cases, the property owner and the person running the night club may be different people.

“In some cases, the property owners are not aware of what’s going on at the club, and I think they should take action.”

Councilman Reddick wanted to know if there are clubs in the area that start at age 21 for patrons. The answer was the Hard Rock Casino is the only one.

“I think underage drinking will continue to be a problem especially if you can get in at the age of 18,” said Councilman Reddick.

“Someone inside the club is buying/giving the 18 year olds alcohol, especially with the drink specials. I don’t think 18-year-olds should be allowed to go into establishments that sell alcohol.

The Council decided to not make any decision at this time on imposing any regulations.

Reporter Leon B. Crews can be reached at (813) 248-0724, or e-mailed at lcrews@flsentinel.com.