NEW ORLEANS — Video surveillance cameras are coming to six bars and strip clubs on Bourbon Street.
The New Orleans Advocate reports a deal has been struck with state officials that will allow the bars and strip clubs to continue to sell alcohol as long as high-quality surveillance cameras are installed. The businesses are accused of allowing drug sales and prostitution to occur on the premises.
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The cameras must cover the entire premises with the exception of restrooms.
The businesses must also hire an outside security firm to monitor the feeds from the video surveillance for illegal activity, according to the agreement. Also included in the agreement is “mystery shopping” by a third-party company at least twice a month and the businesses must self-report any violations of state alcohol laws to the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC).
“ATC hopes that this ruling sends a strong message that we are serious in doing our part to help protect the French Quarter so that it can remain a strong economic engine for New Orleans and the entire state,” Troy Hebert, the ATC commissioner, said in a statement.
The Advocate reports the agreement stems from a crackdown by state officials known as Operation Trick or Treat, an undercover investigation that resulted in alcohol licenses being suspended at seven strip clubs and two bars.
The ATC can have access to surveillance footage “immediately upon request.”
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