Jefferson City Police, bar prepare for New Year’s Eve celebrations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2023 and greet 2024 with open arms, the Jefferson City Police Department and at least one local bar are working to ensure everyone enters the new year on good terms.

There will be an increase in officers on the road this New Year's weekend to enforce traffic laws. The Jefferson City Police will join other national, local, and state law enforcement and highway safety officials for New Year's, Jefferson City Police announced in a press release.

Bar Vino is taking safety measures as well this weekend. Manager Shilo Lehman said she is not too worried about this weekend.

"The overall vibe of Barvino is a little calmer; the ambiance is different from other bars," Lehman said. "We also don't stay open as late compared to other bars. We close at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 9 p.m. on other days. So, I think that helps with avoiding trouble."

For New Year's Eve, Bar Vino is implementing a reservation-only service, expecting around 30 guests. The bar will provide dinner and wine, aiming to conclude all activities by 9:30 p.m.

The staff judges whether a guest has had too much to drink. If the individual shows signs of a flushed face, sweating, being loud, fumbling and stumbling everywhere, or disturbing other guests, Bar Vino employees will ask them to leave.

If the intoxicated person refuses, they will call authorities to help escort the individual out of the establishment.

"We're not going to risk the safety of everyone just because someone doesn't want to leave and the safety of our staff as well," Lehman said.

To verify the authenticity of guest IDs, employees utilize the Show-Me ID app, a tool in collaboration with The Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety and Traffic Division.

If you plan to celebrate this New Year's Eve, the Jefferson City Police suggest having a designated driver and paying attention to your surroundings.