THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 16, 1994 TAG: 9410160084
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KAREN E. QUINONES MILLER AND STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
A month after police were called to control an unruly crowd outside a nightspot, the club's management announced plans Saturday to forestall further trouble and to fight crime in the area.
George Mimms, administrator of Mr. Magic's at Newtown and Baker roads, said the club will increase lighting behind the business and will use plastic and paper cups after 9 p.m. to reduce the possibility of glassware being used as weapons.
Last month, after electric power to the club was cut because of a car accident nearby, some customers became unruly and were asked to leave. They refused and began throwing things. An employee used pepper gas on the troublemakers, sparking a furious exodus from the club. Police were called in to calm the situation.
Mimms said the club is concerned both about that incident and any perception that the business is responsible for crime in the area.
Last week, Portsmouth officials won a restraining order forcing the temporary closure of two night clubs charged with being public nuisances. ``We don't want that to happen in Virginia Beach,'' Mimms said. ``We don't feel that's the way to go. And we don't have to walk the road that Portsmouth walked.''
As for suggestions that the club's presence contributes to crime in the area, Mimms said: ``It's a human problem, and the solutions will come from the people. And I am sure that they know what is good for business is good for the community.''
Mimms said the club has been working with police to find ways to hold down incidents in and around the club and that talks with police are continuing.
Police spokesman Mike Carey said he was unaware of the plans, but added, ``We applaud any effort to limit the amount of problems we're responding to there.''
The business also plans to host a luncheon Oct. 29 to bring together area business owners, civic leagues and neighborhood Crime Watch representatives to hold talks on improving neighborhood security.
Two nearby clubs, Hard Rock Cafe and Picasso's, are also being invited to send representatives.
``There are times for competition and there are times for cooperation,'' Mimms said. ``We have extended the invitation because we believe they have just as much at stake in the community as we do.'' by CNB