Jun 28, 2009 | 2 min read

Restaurants at Waterside Receive New Alcohol Permits, Could Increase Risk of Drunk Driving and Dangerous Behavior

Waterside is a popular market area in downtown Norfolk, Virginia (VA) that’s been opened for 26 years. However, there has been a spike in raucous behavior – 258 calls for police assistance – and even a shooting in a Waterside parking garage, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

The restaurants inhabiting Waterside have been operating with “special exemptions” to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages. City officials recently passed a new set of “special exemptions” to continue the sale of alcohol.

As an injury lawyer concerned with the safety of our citizens, I believe the sale of alcohol at Waterside is a strong contributing factor to the increase in violence and illegal incidences in the area. I’ve represented clients who were severely injured due to drunken customers at bars and restaurants.

I understand the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to consuming alcohol at a restaurant, but city officials should have implemented stricter guidelines and regulations before granting these new permits to Waterside restaurants.

Here’s a video discussing the future of Waterside and the increased incidences of drunken brawls and violence…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJOhijTkB10

So often people go out to a restaurant, enjoy a few too many drinks, and then irresponsibly drive home. Our firm has represented numerous clients who’ve suffered horrific injuries due to drunk drivers. I’m not saying Waterside is a haven for drunk drivers, but when you look at the escalation of a police presence at Waterside and the recent shooting, it makes you wonder if a moratorium on alcohol sales may have been a better option, or at least much stricter regulations.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.