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PORTSMOUTH, Va. \u2014 New rules are now in effect for Portsmouth restaurants and entertainment venues after the city council voted to update its entertainment ordinance Tuesday night. The measure passed 5-2 and will impact how late businesses like Bar 9<\/a> in the Cradock area can stay open.<\/p>\n Bar 9, an upscale restaurant, received its official entertainment permit at the meeting. Renata Brown, the restaurant\u2019s managing member, said the new approval allows Bar 9 to extend its weekend hours.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have been approved, so we are able to open later on Fridays and Saturdays to 2 a.m.,\u201d Brown told WTKR.<\/p>\n The updated ordinance outlines several key changes for businesses operating in the city:<\/p>\n The rules will be enforced by the city\u2019s zoning administrator. Violations could result in temporary closures. Restaurants with revoked permits may face a six-month ban and a review of their alcohol licenses if they are suspended, revoked or surrendered.<\/p>\n While city leaders say the changes are intended to promote safety, some local business owners are expressing concern.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand people under 18, you know, them having a curfew,\u201d Brown said. \u201cBut I’m a grown adult. I should be able to hang out and come in and do what I want to do, to what time I want to do it, without anybody putting a curfew on me.\u201d<\/p>\n Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover emphasized during the council meeting that the ordinance is about protecting residents and ensuring that entertainment venues remain safe.<\/p>\n Since opening in March, Brown says Bar 9 has always prioritized safety. Even before the new ordinance passed, she said her business had already implemented a comprehensive security plan.<\/p>\n \u201cI had already contracted with a security company,\u201d she said. \u201cI had already put my paperwork in to have the Portsmouth Police Department provide extra security in the parking lot.\u201d<\/p>\n After months of delays and financial setbacks while trying to secure an entertainment license, Brown says she\u2019s focused on building a safe and enjoyable space for the community.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to be tempted to keep going to the casino to gamble,\u201d she added. \u201cI want to go somewhere in my area, to small businesses, and be able to support them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n City officials noted that existing businesses already operating legally are grandfathered in and should not see changes to their operations.<\/p>\n You can find the meeting minutes and agenda from Tuesday\u2019s meeting here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat\u2019s in the New Ordinance?<\/h3>\n
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