Fort Worth looks to pump the brakes on bars and clubs in this popular nightlife spot

It might get harder to open up a bar or nightclub in Fort Worth.

The city is considering changing its zoning rules to require new bars and nightclubs in “high intensity mixed-use districts” to get a special permit before opening their doors.

Mixed use districts are supposed to have a mix of stores, bars, office space and residences, but the city’s rules have led to a concentration of bars and nightclubs areas like the West 7th District, said Fort Worth city council member Elizabeth Beck.

The new rule wouldn’t shut down any bars or nightclubs, but would give the city more say on when an area has too many.

“We still want the vitality of nightlife, but we don’t want the chaos, Beck said.

Crime in the West 7th District was up 15% through the first 10 months of 2022 compared to the same time in 2021, according to a city report.

The city council passed an open container ban for the West 7th area in November 2022. Fort Worth police have handed out 20 tickets since the beginning of the year, said Lt. Paul Genualdo, who overseas the West 7th District.

The rule change would apply to bars and nightclubs larger than 2,000 square feet, roughly hafl the size of a basketball court. Those currently operating would not be affected.

New operators would have to go through the city’s minimum 60-day rezoning process. Those that don’t comply could face up to $2,000 per day in fines.

The change would make it easier for the city to know what kind of business are opening up in these mixed use zoning districts, said Jill Freer, head of the West 7th Neighborhood Alliance.

The issue with West 7th isn’t the number of bars, but the kind of bars opening up in the district, she said, adding that large bars attracting huge crowds have the potential to get rowdy.

“I’m OK with young people coming here and going to bars. I was young once and I did the same thing,” she said.

The issue is making sure people can stay safe, and giving the city more input before these bars open will help with that, she said.

Bar owners aren’t happy with the proposed change, and see it as an attack on their businesses, said Chas Taipale, president of the West 7th Restaurant Bar and Retail Association.

Taipale acknowledged the area’s reputation as a magnet for violent crime, but said bar owners are doing everything they can to keep patrons safe.

Bar owners have hired private security and off duty police officers to improve safety, he said while arguing the bigger issue is what happens on the streets.

Most of the crimes in the West 7th District are committed outside drinking establishments by young adults between 18 and 20, said assistant police chief Robert Alldredge speaking at a November 2022 city council work session.

The 20 tickets the police department has given out so far this year isn’t very much, but most people have been complying voluntarily, Genualdo said.

The department has more officer patrolling the area on weekends, and has put an increased emphasis on traffic violations. This has led to the seizure of over 60 illegal guns since September 2022, Genualdo said.

Fort Worth needs a place where people can go after work to relax and have a good time, Taipale said.

The more bars and entertainment venues the better, he said, adding that the area has the potential to become as popular as the Stockyards or Nashville’s Broadway Avenue.

Putting more restrictions on bars and nightclubs will hinder that, he said.

The council will vote on the rule change at its May 9 meeting.