By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

The deadline for nightclub owners to meet a new city ordinance is approaching.

In July, the Selma City Council passed an ordinance requiring clubs and lounges to install surveillance cameras by Feb. 1, 2016.

“Safety is paramount,” said city council president Corey Bowie.

Bowie said letters were sent out last week to all of the area clubs and lounges reminding them of the approaching deadline. He said the letters listed all of the requirements owners needed to meet in order to comply.

Owners have to submit a security plan to the Selma Police Chief John Brock and must have certified security guards to patrol the area in addition to having cameras installed, according to Bowie.

“They have been cooperating with the city,” Bowie said. “I do not foresee any delays in implementing the security cameras.”

Bowie said a majority of the club owners are in favor of the security cameras because it will help make patrons feel safer.

According to the ordinance, the cameras must be capable of recording and storing video for a length of time no less than 30 days.

Clyde Richardson, owner of club Entourage, said the security cameras will serve as a benefit for club and lounge owners, and he has already installed the cameras in his club.

“It ain’t no more of you saying, ‘He say, she say, say this, say that,’” Richardson said. “All you gotta do is roll it back.”

He said although the cameras will help, they will not solve every problem.

“Everybody feels so convinced that a camera can solve all their problems. But guess what, a camera with a face on it with no name to the face, you’re still right where you were in the beginning,” Richardson said. “But, it’s better than nothing.”

Bowie said the city council will be working with the police department on when and how officers will go around to make sure the cameras have been installed to meet the city ordinance.