Police Begin Compliance Checks Of Nightclubs In Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Bridgeport Police Department began conducting compliance checks of nightclubs on April 24, starting with establishments on the city’s East Side, as part of an effort to ensure businesses have proper licenses and permits.

Police said a detail of supervisors and officers visited five establishments on East Main Street on the first night of inspections, providing managers and owners with information on how to register as a "nightclub" under Chapter 5.88 of the city’s municipal code and guidance on completing the application process. No enforcement action was taken during the initial checks, though officials said citations or other measures may follow if violations are identified during future inspections.

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The compliance effort follows a Jan. 4 killing of 31-year-old Bridgeport resident Jordan Thompson at an illegal nightclub on Noble Avenue. The establishment was shut down following the incident, and no arrests have been announced. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Bridgeport Police Det. Thomas Harper at 203-581-5239.

The department said inspections will continue across the city through the summer, but specific times or locations were not disclosed. The initiative is intended to address quality-of-life complaints that typically increase during the summer months and are associated with nightlife activity.

Application packets for nightclub registration are available at the permits office at police headquarters, 300 Congress St. Authorities are also asking residents to report suspected illegal nightclub operations through the department’s tip line, 203-576-TIPS.