Buffalo shootings near bars spark debate over closing time

Buffalo, New York (WBEN) – Some of the most unique restaurants and bars in the city of Buffalo are open until 4 a.m. While nightlife tends to last into the wee hours of the morning for most, Buffalo’s recent early morning shootings outside bars have sparked discussions about safety and the possibility of an hour universal closure.

“I’m in favor of closing at 2 p.m. on weekends,” says Conor Hawkins, owner of the Banshee Irish Pub on Franklin Street, who notes that bail reform has emboldened criminals.

“Criminals are getting bolder, and they don’t care about the police or anything else. I don’t really think the timing matters much, I think it’s going to happen anyway. (However), If the bars closed a little earlier, it would probably contribute to a better police presence in the neighborhoods.

Less than a month ago, Del Denby’s Tavern on Hertel Avenue was ordered to cease operations after a 46-year-old man was shot outside the establishment around 1 a.m. time (Eastern Time). Last week, three men in their 20s were transported to ECMC with non-life-threatening injuries after shots were fired outside a bar in the 1100 block of Elmwood after some sort of previous altercation. Officers responded to the call around 2:30 a.m. ET.

Although Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia notes that liability increases after 2 a.m. for many establishments, his concerns lie more with the type of safety and security protocols bars and restaurants have in place during their last opening hours.

“If there’s trouble brewing, if there are people they serve who are too drunk, and if they notice something happening, what do they do to stop it? Is- what they weed out problem people? Do they call the police before a potential incident that may happen? Do they have approved security guards? Do they have a proper plan to keep them safe in case something happens? would happen? They have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for customers, but also for their employees?

Just a month ago, two Banshee Irish Pub employees who came from Ireland on work visas were detained at gunpoint outside the bar, the scene captured on CCTV. They were out for drinks with a group of people this weekend, celebrating a Buffalo Bandits victory, and they returned to the bar after 4 a.m. to wait for an Uber.

“We make sure we escort our staff to their cars and we have adequate security here, you know, but obviously once the bar closes, and it’s 4:30 in the morning, you can’t do much -thing,” notes Hawkins.

Commissioner Gramaglia notes that police are making progress regarding last weekend’s Elmwood shooting and that “people are cooperating.” Police continue to investigate this particular matter.