Is Downtown Buffalo’s Entertainment District Going 21 & Over?

In the weeks that have followed the 4th of July mayhem that happened all around Buffalo and Western New York, there has been a big uptick in the number of violent events that have occurred in the 716. Various incidents have dotted every corner of the region and have kept local law enforcement officers busy trying to keep the peace. Events of crime and other illegal activity haven't been limited to the lower-income residential neighborhoods either, as there have been several events in Buffalo's main entertainment strip as well.

After a few chaotic nights in downtown Buffalo, there has been an increasing call to make the Chippewa Strip adult-only. With the number of bars, restaurants, and other nightlife spots picking up activity now that the weather is warmer, the momentum for making Chippewa Street 21+ could have some steam behind it.

According to WIVB-TV, which reported on a letter that was sent to Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan by Buffalo's Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski, the Representative is seeking to have the Buffalo Police keep people who are under 21 out of the area during some late-night hours.

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If the plan goes through, city officials would put up physical barriers to the entertainment district, and officers would make identification checks starting at 10 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

This isn't unheard of, as other areas around the nation have age-restricted areas of town, but the legality of it in the Empire State would need to be figured out since the council member is effectively asking to do away with equal protection under the law for a certain class of person.

WIVB-TV spoke with various stakeholders in the region, who have had differing opinions.

The Chippewa strip has been closed to vehicle traffic in the past, restricting it to foot traffic only. The barriers were reinstalled this past weekend, and the city increased police patrols all around downtown as the weekend party activity went on.

The Buffalo Common Council is set to discuss the idea at its next city council meeting.