Bouncer Registration Ordinance

(Buffalo, New York) This is news to me. The Buffalo City Council is considering a proposal to establish registration requirements for bar bouncers. The proposed ordinance was prompted by a few recent incidents where bouncers allegedly pounded customers excessively.

From Buffalo News:

The legislation would require bouncers to register with the city, which would conduct a background check and issue photographic identification to be worn while working.

But speakers Wednesday said several aspects of the proposal need more work.

It seems that the issue is quite controversial among bar and restaurant owners since the proposed ordinance isn't real clear on what is required to be in compliance.

The proposal applies to places where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on premise. As it stands, the only people exempt from the requirement would be those already registered with the state in connection with their security work.

Dennis J. Richards, chief of detectives for the Buffalo Police Department, asked about the background investigations of applicants.

I'm not sure that simple registration of bouncers will preclude future poundings of customers. They need to put some teeth in the ordinance, like 'no violent felony convictions.' The City Council might also want to consider providing minimum guidance for acceptably removing a customer from an establishment.

The outlook for the proposed ordinance is indeterminate right now, however, I foresee considerable opposition. I just can't imagine that the hotel, restaurant and bar industries will allow the measure to easily become law. It's more regulation when most owners believe there's too much already.