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Old Roseville Bars Struggling After Controversial Cover Charge Ordinance

ROSEVILLE (CBS13) — Bars in Old Roseville say new rules intended to improve safety are actually pushing them out of business, with one saying it's closing up shop this month.

Open since 1934, it appears the Owl Club's 80th year will also be its last. A recent post on the bar's Facebook page reads "Thank you EVille for forcing the closing of the Owl Club. This will be our last month."

It's been slow down at the Opera House Saloon as well since the new rules took effect in November.

"Another bar closed before the ordinance, was back open and already closed after just a month and a day," said Rebecca Ryan. "Two other bar owners are thinking of selling."

The controversial ordinance requires Old Roseville bars to charge a $5 cover every Friday and Saturday after 10 p.m. IDs are also swiped and patrons are scanned for weapons.

Roseville Police says before the measure, every officer on duty at times has been responding to incidents in Old Roseville.

"It's all geared toward making the area safer for everyone," said Lt. Mark Glynn. "We've even had to call surrounding agencies to help with some of those large-scale fights."

Bars say the $5 cover fee is sending its patrons elsewhere. Police say after hearing complaints, the city is taking another look at the cover charge.

But it looks like it's too late for one bar, where last call is just days away.

Along with the drop in patrons at bars, Roseville Police are reporting up to a 50 percent drop in call volume since the ordinance went into effect.

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