PAUL SCHRAG: PUT YOUR LOCS ON AND REPRESENT TACOMA CLUBS >>>

It’s about time. After years of batting the idea around, dealing with troublesome nightclubs has risen to become a top priority for Tacoma officials, who will host a meeting tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at, ahem, Tacoma Police headquarters, 3701 S. Pine St. The meeting will vet issues surrounding the sometimes tense co-existence of downtown dwellers and late-night businesses. Currently in the brainstorming stage, new rules and regulations for clubs could include approval of mandatory security plans prior to receiving a business license, background checks and training for security personnel, and applying design standards aimed at maximizing security. If applied, most of the new provisions would be folded into the city’s existing cabaret license.

Local officials also are looking at creating an association of club owners, citizens and city officials â€" much like the Chamber’s Business Improvement Area â€" that would encourage businesses and others to work together to deal with this perennial issue. You know, as opposed to just when they’re feeling annoyed.

If you care about nightclubs, nightlife, and helping Tacoma become a 24-hour city, this is the meeting to attend.

See you there.

LINK: Previously in the Weekly Volcano

Photo: McCabe's American Music Cafe/Ron Swarner