Mayor Virg Bernero today proposed a new city ordinance that would allow the City of Lansing to recover the cost of city services, including police and fire protection, which are required to maintain the peace during a public disturbance at a licensed nightclub.

The ordinance is proposed as the Lansing City Council Public Safety Committee gathers to discuss the latest problem at the Venue night club on South Cedar Street. Early last Sunday morning, police responded to a large unruly crowd in the parking lot outside the business. While police tried to disperse the crowd a gun was fired and a man suffered a minor wound.

Police have been called to the Venue dozens of times over the past months.

The ordinance would permit two warnings to be issued. A third incident would result in the city assessing the nightclub owner for the costs associated with police, fire and other public services.

"I cannot ask the taxpayers of this city to continue subsidizing the costs that arise from responding to repeated incidents of violence at establishments like the Venue," said Mayor Virg Bernero. "That's why I am asking the City Council to move forward expeditiously to approve my cost recovery plan."

Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley and City Attorney Brigham Smith will present the proposed ordinance to the City Council at today's Public Safety Committee meeting.