Bouncers will now be required to receive proper training and register with the city before they can begin working at local clubs and bars.
City Council voted unanimously today to pass a bill, sponsored by Councilman Bill Greenlee that would require bouncers to receive city-approved training courses from third-party agencies within 45 days of getting hired.
Horrifying stories about reckless bouncers in a Daily News story this year inspired Greenlee to draft the legislation. Mayor Nutter is expected to sign-off on the bill.
"I think we're on our way to making a lot of establishments safer for people," Greenlee said. "The more we do it the more customers will feel comfortable going there, so I think it's a benefit for everybody."
Under the legislation, bouncers are required to register with the city by submitting a completed training certificate that includes their address and phone number. Registration would be revoked if a bouncer failed to complete additional training or was convicted of certain crimes. Bar and club owners are required to do a criminal background check on each bouncer hired.
In other news:
City Council passed a bill sponsored by Councilman Jim Kenney that would give no more than a $200 annual tax credit to condo and co-op owners who do not receive regular trash collection services. The bill passed 12-5, with nay votes from Council members Bill Green, Curtis Jones Jr., Jack Kelly, Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Marian Tasco. The Nutter Administration has opposed the bill.
Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown made some changes to a bill that requires landlords have a certified technician conduct a dust-wipe test when property built before 1978 is turned over to a new tenant. Lead-based paint was prohibited for residences in 1978. The landlord would then be required to provide a copy of the dust-wipe clearance to the Department of Public Health. The bill was amended to narrow the focus on landlords who rent to families with children aged 6 and under.
The measure is expected to get a final vote by City Council next week.