La Porte council introduces ordinance requiring security cameras at late‑night alcohol retailers

Councilwoman Huffman introduced an ordinance on March 2 that would require retailers who sell alcohol after 11:00 p.m. to install and maintain recording security cameras approved by the police chief or designee and to retain footage for at least 30 days.

The ordinance text read at the meeting states the purpose is to "protect public health, safety, and welfare by increasing security for patrons and employees of these businesses by the use of surveillance cameras." It requires camera placement to record entry and exit points and public areas inside the retailer, date/time stamps on recordings, conspicuous signage noting video surveillance, and that an operator familiar with the system be present or immediately reachable during business hours.

The measure also authorizes the police chief or designee to formulate reasonable implementing rules; failure to provide footage within 24 hours of police request would constitute a violation, and a nonworking system can trigger fines of $250 per day and potential closure by the police chief.

Mayor and council members framed the ordinance as a public safety measure targeted at late‑night incidents. The ordinance was introduced for a first reading and will return to the council for further consideration and possible adoption at a future meeting.