The Banks is resuming its youth curfew, restricting the plaza on Freedom Way to those 21+ on weekends during the late-night hours, a bar manager confirmed to The Enquirer.
The decision to reinstate the age-restricted security checkpoints comes two weeks after Cincinnati police shut down the riverfront entertainment district early on Reds Opening Day, citing unruly crowds.
Security apparatus, including crowd fencing with signs detailing the curfew policy, were visible at both ends of The Banks the morning of Sunday, April 12. A new poster was visible on exterior doors of nearly all businesses at The Banks, explaining the plaza’s rules.
It is unclear if the restrictions will last through the remainder of the spring, summer and fall. A representative for The Banks homeowners’ association did not return messages from The Enquirer.
In addition to The Banks late-night age restrictions, Cincinnati has a citywide youth curfew in effect for those 18 years old or younger at 11 p.m.
In Downtown, which includes The Banks, and Over-the-Rhine south of Liberty Street, youth must be home or with a parent in public after 9 p.m.
Age restrictions at entryways mirror last year’s
The age restrictions are the same as those rolled out last spring through Oct. 31.
From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, only people 21 and older are allowed to enter The Banks’ plaza on Freedom Way. Minors under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent.
During certain special events, the security checkpoints may also be put into place, the posters read.
Management put at least $300,000 toward private security checking IDs at the entryways to the plaza last year.
Banks bar manager: First weekend with checkpoints went well
Several managers for restaurants and bars at The Banks declined to speak with The Enquirer when asked April 12 about the curfew resuming.
One bar general manager, who spoke with The Enquirer on the condition they not be named, said the first weekend with the reinstated checkpoints went well.
“There was good visibility from the police,” the manager said. “We were busy on Friday night and during the day Saturday. A lot of people said they feel safer with the checkpoints.”
Business owners at The Banks reacted positively to the upped security when it began. As the year continued, amenity fees collected on food and beverage purchases at The Banks businesses took a dip and ended 7% down for the year.
A Cincinnati police spokesman did not return a message from The Enquirer asking about the department’s plans for policing the riverfront district.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Banks resumes 21+ age restrictions, late-night entry checkpoints
Reporting by David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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