Prince George's Police Supporting Dance Hall Bill

TEMPLE HILLS, Md. (AP) -- Prince George's County police are looking to local officials to make owners, promoters and others involved with security at music venues in the county more responsible for violence occurring around them.

Police say 61 deaths have occurred at or been linked to county dance halls since 2005 and at least eight homicides have happened near the halls this year.

The Washington Examiner reports that a Prince George's councilwoman has introduced a bill that would require strict security plans inside and outside the venues. The fee for acquiring a dance hall would also increase from $200 to $1,000.

Police say the bill would give authorities the support needed to punish and shut down places with a history of violence.

A public hearing is scheduled on the bill for July 19.

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