MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After several violent weekends near the Beale Street Entertainment District, the city is ready to roll out its new safety plan.
Starting this weekend, Beale Street will see major changes on Saturdays, especially after 10 p.m.
“I guess trial and error, right? See how it works,” said tourist Brooke Hayes.
Tourists and locals on Beale Street are not sure what Saturday night will look like.
“We’re starting the program on Saturday, because that is the day that we’ve had our incidents, and the most dangerous incidents, but we absolutely will be open to do it on other days of the week we see fit,” said Downtown Memphis Commission President Terence Patterson.
The safety plan aims to reduce overcrowding.
Friday, Patterson confirmed to WREG that all five steps of the plan will go into effect, including better police visibility, ID checks to crack down on underage individuals, and adding 10-20 Sheriff’s Deputies.
“We’re going to have a presence there, along with Memphis PD. Memphis PD is going to be the lead. We’re there for support, and you know, we’re going to make it as safe as possible,” said Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Earle Farrell.
The change that seems to be getting the most talk is the “Beale Street Bucks” program.
Starting at 10 p.m. on Saturdays, Beale Street visitors will pay $10 to enter and receive a $7 credit for businesses.
“It kind of discourages people that are just kind of looking for trouble,” said tourist Elizabeth Gamez.
“I don’t think paying ten bucks is going to keep us any safer. Crazy is crazy, and 10 bucks is not going to keep crazy from happening,” said tourist Arash Nafisi.
The change has Executive Director of the Beale Street Development Corporation Lucille Catron ready to file a lawsuit.
“Do we hate crime? Of course, we do. Do we have to become the victim and be charged because of what’s happening surrounding Beale? No,” Catron said.
She said upped security is the answer.
“We all will see,” she said.
Patterson said many of the Interim Police Director’s suggestions for Beale Street safety are also going into effect this weekend.
However, a couple are not.
The suggestion that businesses stop serving alcohol at 3 a.m. is still only in the discussion phase.
Patterson said that security might not have its full complement of ID scanners this week, but it plans to use whatever is available.
