Columbia police to hold closed roundtable with bar owners, managers

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department is inviting local bar owners and managers to a closed-door meeting next week to discuss safety and cooperation between law enforcement and the city’s nightlife establishments.

The roundtable is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Molly Bowden Community Policing Center, according to an invitation obtained by ABC 17 News.

The invitation says the meeting will focus on building a stronger partnership between police and bars. Police plan to provide safety updates and resources while giving bar leaders time to share their concerns and ideas for keeping Columbia’s nightlife district “safe and thriving,” according to the message sent to bar owners.

The meeting is restricted to bar owners, general managers and high-level operations staff. It will not be open to the public or non-management employees. Attendees must register by 5 p.m. Tuesday and identify the business or venue they represent when they arrive.

The invitation was sent to leaders connected to several Columbia bars and entertainment venues. ABC 17 News could not verify how many businesses plan to attend.

The planned meeting comes amid ongoing discussion about safety in downtown Columbia. University of Missouri President Mun Choi said Thursday that downtown bar owners could do more to help curb crime. His comments came days after he warned students about visiting part of Walnut Street after dark.

The police invitation was initially sent Tuesday, before Choi made those comments in an ABC 17 News interview.

CPD has not responded to a request for more information.