The problems with the Haze roof top parties have been well chronicled:
a. crowds exceeding fire marshal limits.
b. music played at levels exceeding 80 decibels.
c. music speakers placed to direct sound down to the street level.
d. DJs encouraging people on Texas Street-- not patrons of the club--to act out in illegal ways.
Those days may continue but with a major restriction for the club--the limit of roof top parties with NO emergency fire exit. The metal stairway that proved an exit from the roof top been taken down by the owner of the parking lot immediately adjacent to the club on the east side.
The stairwell was on the property of the parking lot owner, not Haze.
An official with the Shreveport Fire Prevention office has advised that the maximum capacity of the roof top WITHOUT the emergency exit stairwell is now 49. It was previously 149.
Last weekend the club was asked by SPD to turn down the volume. This action was based on the old noise ordinance which is still in effect after the mayor's veto of the ordinance that passed on a 4-3 vote to set a maximum decibel level of 85--the sound of a jumbo jet.
The club may have other legal issues including proper alcohol licensing, correct sales tax remittances, and fire marshal violations for the inside crowds in the club. Additionally, the club may have lost the support of one council member who had voted for the 85-decibel ordinance.
A big KUDOS to the parking lot owner who removed the metal exit stairway.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.