Increased Oversight At Lawrence Nightclubs Has Positive Impact

LAWRENCE (CBS) - The Orlando massacre is putting a spotlight on the issue of nightclub security. Lawrence is no stranger to wild scenes in bars, lounges and clubs. In one case in 2010, two people were killed in a shooting inside a nightclub.

Something had to be done, and about a year and a half ago, a new system was put in place according to Police Chief James Fitzpatrick.

"Any venue that has over 200 patrons to an event is required to have a police detail," Fitzpatrick says. "Their security personnel are background checked, trained in security, they're tasked with doing metal detector wands on all the patrons after 11 o'clock."

Inspectional Services Director Pascual Ruiz is spearheading the effort, with random inspections throughout Lawrence.

"We alternate it, we hit every single club not the same day but different days we rotate to other clubs," Ruiz told WBZ.

Ruiz gives the Terra Luna restaurant high marks. They do have a DJ there many nights and security is a top priority according to assistant manager Scarlet Melo.

"We do have metal detectors and they do check after 11 o'clock," Melo said. "We make sure we have security on both sides of the doors, and they check everyone before coming in."

City leaders say the increased oversight of nightspots is having an impact and that benefits everybody.