Police want to shift Hess costs - Bars could pay foot full bill for patrols

Hamilton police want bar owners to pick up the full tab for special enforcement in Hess Village.

Councillors signed off on the proposal today as part of a larger initiative to reduce rowdiness in the entertainment district. 

The city is increasing the number of paid duty officers in the village from eight to 10 on weekend nights in the summer. 

For years, police have split the bill with bar owners, who paid about $50,000 collectively last summer. The new arrangement would drive their cost to about $120,000.

“We simply cannot afford it,” said Dean Collett, who owns four Hess establishments, which he says operate on slim margins.  

As an attraction that contributes to Hamilton’s tax base and economic development, the village deserves the city’s support, Collett argued. Bar owners in entertainment districts in Toronto and Montreal don’t pay for special enforcement, he noted. 

“We shouldn’t be penalizing successful businesses,” agreed Councillor Terry Whitehead. 

The bars already pay property taxes toward policing, he said, suggesting it would be fairer to have officers scheduled to work regular shifts in the village. Paid duty officers volunteer for pay at 1 1/2 times the usual rate. 

Comments

[Ashley]

They get paid 1 1/2 the usual rate to hit on underage girls. It's disgusting.