It’s been nearly two months since a 3 a.m. Midtown shootout that sent four people to the hospital. It happened outside the Arizona Hookah Lounge on Speedway near Swan.
Now, Tucson Police and city officials are partnering to implement changes that hope to curb crime happening at local hookah lounges.
CONTINUING COVERAGE
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- EXCLUSIVE: Arizona Hookah Lounge Owner responds to blame for Midtown shooting
TPD gathered data presented at Wednesday’s city council meeting, which shows this year there have been more than twice as many violent crime reported at hookah lounges (52) compared to bars (21).
Bars in Tucson have to close by 2 a.m., but hookah lounges often stay open until 4 a.m. The city says that draws late night crowds and can lead to late night crime.
The City Attorney’s office is now drafting an ordinance for new and existing hookah lounges.