Tijuana nightclub owners face fines for ignoring new public safety rules

SAN DIEGO ( Border Report ) — Nightclub owners in Tijuana are pushing back on new laws mandating the need for more security guards and other safety measures in their establishments.

The laws also require all security personnel to be trained for medical emergencies and other incidents, and all security guards must receive training and clearance from the city’s police department.

Julián Palombo Saucedo, president of Tijuana’s Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, is asking club owners not delay implementing the new rules saying this will make things safer for visitors and workers alike.

The new laws went into effect eight months ago, but many club owners have been slow to follow the regulations, which mandate security and surveillance cameras, metal detectors and more guards both inside and outside clubs.

Owners have said they can’t afford to add more guards and safety equipment.

Palombo Saucedo says soon, the city of Tijuana will begin issuing citations to nonconforming owners. Fines could be up to 100,000 pesos or about $6,000.

“We are exhorting everyone and every one of these businesses to implement the new requirements,” said Palombo Saucedo. “We need to prevent people from entering a club with a gun or other weapon and be able to hurt customers, things need to be safer.”

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