Video: Lowndes OKs Tough Nightclub Ordinance

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LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — Nightclubs outside of Columbus in Lowndes County that have music or games or allow alcohol will have to get a permit starting late next month and have increased security.

And they’ll have to abide by tougher occupancy and health and safety standards.

Lowndes supervisors approved the new regulations and $50 a year permit Thursday after no one appeared to speak against the regulations during a public hearing. The rules take effect in 30 days but nightclub owners and operators can start applying for permits as early as next week.

The new rules establish a review by the sheriff’s department and a nightclub review committee to examine violations and recommend license revocations, fines and other penalties.

Under the new rules, the clubs must close at 1 a.m. and have everyone off the property by 1:30 a.m. Sheriff Mike Arledge sought the rules in response to numerous late-night incidents at clubs in rural areas of the county.