WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Wichita police chief and a bar owner are responding after a pair of shootings at two clubs this weekend left several people injured.
Rock Island Live co-owner Erica Lopez said Friday night through Saturday morning was slow.
Lopez said all entertainment businesses must follow policy and protocol and meet with the Wichita Police Department monthly to ensure customers are safe.
“There weren’t many people here. It wasn’t the capacity. It was the person, not the establishment,” said Erica Lopez, co-owner of Rock Island Live.
Lopez said they have had metal detectors, security, ID checks and dress codes for several years to avoid situations like this weekend’s shooting.
“What we are doing now works. We will review our policies considering new situations,” Lopez said.
Lopez said the gun that was brought into the club was not caught under current security measures, prompting them to reevaluate their policies.
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said he will meet with businesses this week to allow businesses to present new safety plans to the department.
“If we find that’s enough, we’ll give that a chance to play out,” Chief Sullivan said.
Chief Sullivan said if a company doesn’t comply, he could impose penalties such as suspending operations for 30 days, require companies to hire security and conduct more vigorous searches for people entering plants.
“I know that in a club there were VIP passes and anyone with the VIP pass didn’t have to go through security, and this is absolutely unacceptable. “What club was he at?” “He was at the Onyx Club,” Chief Sullivan said.
Lopez said they and the Old Town music industry are dedicated to keeping people safe.
“I don’t think the solution is to close all entertainment venues. I think it’s to review your policies and make sure we provide a safe environment for people to enjoy,” Lopez said.
KSN News reached out to Onyx Nightclub several times for an interview, but did not hear back.
In regards to gun violence so far this year, Wichita has seen a 21% increase over last year in aggravated assaults or battery with an unloaded weapon.
Chief Sullivan said the number was worrying and he would evaluate new WPD strategies to deal with gun violence.
