Uptown group discusses proposal to shut down bars at midnight

An Uptown residents group is considering an idea that would force bars in the neighborhood to apply to stay open past midnight.

The Uptown Neighborhood Association (TUNA) hosted a meeting Thursday night with Dallas Councilman Philip Kingston that residents were invited to attend about the idea to create a special district for Uptown.

That district would require all bars to shutdown at midnight unless they got a special use permit to stay open until 2 a.m.

Uptown is known for its vibrant nightlife, especially on the weekends. It’s also a neighborhood filled with recent college graduates and young professionals who take advantage of the walkability and large number of nearby bars and restaurants.

The proposed plan appears similar to what neighbors in Lower Greenville got passed a few years ago in response to rowdy bars and patrons.

Residents and business owners attended Thursday night’s meeting. Some bar owners said they'd be willing to pay more for security but would be against having to apply for a special use permit.

Kingston says he wants to hear everyone's thoughts and encourages people to email him.

He says there will likely be more meetings.

Any proposal for Uptown would have to be approved by the Dallas City Council.