County pleased with Tarkanian’s security plan

Clark County officials were pleased Thursday with management plans to tighten security at Tarkanian’s Celebrity Sports Club, the scene of a fatal shooting and riot this week.

Jarvis Delane Rice was killed by police Sunday in front of the 4550 S. Maryland Parkway night spot. The 19-year-old had been involved in a shootout after being kicked out of the club, authorities said.

Ned Solomon, director of the county business license department, said overall his department and Las Vegas police representatives accepted the proposal. However, he planned to add a few more items before contacting the club’s owners.

One of the items on the proposal was the owner’s plan to change the format for Saturday night entertainment. At present, the event called "After Dark" begins at 10 p.m. and ends at 4 a.m.

"They don’t have to change their format. All they have to do is provide adequate security to ensure the patrons and community safety," Solomon said.

The club’s general manager, Jerry Brown, said although he had not heard whether the proposal was accepted or not he didn’t make any concrete plans because he wasn’t sure the club would be open this weekend.

He said business has suffered dramatically since the shooting.

"I have been optimistic about retaining my license but I knew there would have to be some restrictions placed on it because they don’t want any problems," he said. "Police brought up some things that are happening in the area that I didn’t even know about. They’re saying that people who come to After Dark are causing the problems."

Solomon said club owners plan to get uniformed security in the parking lot as well as in the entrance of the club. Access to the parking lot also will be limited.

To alleviate any future problems inside of the bar, anyone who goes against the posted rules will be warned or kicked out.

"Metro has also recommended that they print fliers that emphasize no loitering or drinking in the parking lot," Solomon said. "Metro tells me that if they cooperate, they can stop the problem."

Brown said that the only other time his landlord has had any major complaints was when there was rioting after the Rebels won the 1990 NCAA championship. The club was under different management at the time.

Although Rice was not 21, Solomon said there has not been a big problem with underage people at the club since the management changed.

"There are about six bars in that immediate area and we have a problem with underage people getting into them. Some (bars) are extremely cooperative with Metro and some aren’t cooperative with Metro," Solomon said.