When it comes to consuming alcohol, most experts would advise that moderation is the best policy. That same approach also might prove helpful when it comes to curbing alcohol-fueled violence.
In the wake of the shooting death of former Marshall University football player Donte Newsome on July 5 outside a night club in the 600 block of 4th Avenue, Huntington officials are considering a moratorium on allowing any new bars in the downtown's central business district.
The reasoning is that a time-out on issuing new alcohol-consumption licenses will allow city officials time to assess the impact of bars on the area, particularly on the development of the city's Old Main Corridor project on 4th Avenue between Hal Greer Boulevard and 8th Street. In fact, the idea was circulating before Newsome's death precisely because the city is investing money on 4th Avenue. The project is intended to improve the link between Marshall and downtown through enhanced landscaping and lighting, bicycle lanes and incentives for small-business owners.
But the shooting two weeks ago, in which two other people were wounded, adds urgency to the idea.
Mayor David Felinton said he believes reducing the concentration of bars in the downtown could resolve a lot of the violence issues. The Huntington Planning Commission has given planner Don Kleppe authority to research the idea, and an ordinance authorizing the moratorium could come before the City Council by the end of the month.
In the short term, a moratorium on new bars won't eliminate the conditions that have contributed to early morning violent incidents along 4th Avenue. At the least, though, prohibiting any new bars will avoid adding more fuel to what has too often been a violent mix in the area. Other incidents have occurred in recent years, many of them at or near the time the bars close and their patrons spill out into the streets.
According to preliminary research by Kleppe, 20 of Huntington's 55 bars are located on 4th Avenue between 1st Street and Hal Greer Boulevard. Overall, 31 of the city's 100 establishments having on-premise alcohol consumption licenses are in that 16-block stretch, including bars, restaurants and fraternal organizations.
Is that too many in one area? That's what city officials will assess. They also will have more time to determine the public's attitudes -- including those of Marshall students -- toward the businesses now on 4th Avenue, including the bars. Felinton last week noted that a recent survey of 950 Marshall students indicated that about half didn't feel safe walking on 4th Avenue at night.
What city officials find could lead to zoning changes that reduce the concentration of bars in the downtown or more requirements during the licensing process, Felinton said.
As part of the study, officials also should continue to look at other aspects of this issue, including closing times for bars and police staffing. One strategy alone isn't likely to eliminate the sometimes-violent atmosphere in the downtown. When people are being shot on the streets, a multi-pronged attack on the issue likely will be necessary.
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