Police target liquor, souvenir shops for shutdowns

Thursday, June 25, 1998 | 9:41 a.m.

Police want to shut down liquor stores and souvenir shops to limit drinking and fighting during the annual tribute to '50s music, cars and fashion.

The store owners say they're being unfairly singled out during northern Nevada's No. 1 special event.

They'll meet with law enforcement officials a week from today to search for some common ground.

"This is the biggest piece of business for everyone," Wild West Souvenirs owner Bob Pierce told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

"I've never seen anybody beat anybody up for a T-shirt," he added.

His Virginia Street store was open 52 hours straight last August.

Reno Police Chief Jerry Hoover said the souvenir shops may get a break. He said he would rather crack down on liquor sales during the Aug. 5-9 party.

He currently wants liquor stores to close at 6 p.m. and the souvenir shops to shut down four hours later.

Hot August Nights traditionally jams hotels, casinos and the downtown area in a welcome influx of tourism dollars following the traditionally slow winter season.

Drinking in the street is forbidden and police are quick to cite people caught with a beer or a drink. Liquor stores and souvenir shops have not been targeted in the past, but Hoover said he is being watchful of places where crowds may gather.

There were 12 arrests during last year's Hot August Nights.