INDReporter

Downtown levy up for debate, repeal

by Walter Pierce

The levy, which is based on each bar's capacity and ranges from $186 per month for Frankie's Bar & Grill to Karma's $4,870 monthly fee, has been a point of contention between some bar owners and Lafayette Police.

The City-Parish Council on Tuesday will consider an introductory ordinance that would repeal the section in Lafayette's Code of Ordinances pertaining to the Special Law Enforcement Levy charged to bars in downtown Lafayette. The levy, which is based on each bar's capacity and ranges from $186 per month for Frankie's Bar & Grill to Karma's $4,870 monthly fee, has been a subject of contention between some bar owners and Lafayette Police.

The levy was created to fund extra police patrols downtown on weekends, but some bar owners recently refused to pay the monthly fee, setting up a possible showdown in state district court if Tuesday's introductory ordinance is unsuccessful. The ordinance is sponsored by Councilman Brandon Shelvin who represents downtown Lafayette.

If passed, the ordinance will face a vote for final adoption on Dec. 20.

For some back story on the downtown security levy, see our Dec. 9, 2009 cover story, "Bar Fight."