Toledo police delay banning off duty officers from bars after union says establishments had weekend security already planned

3/28/2014

The Collins administration is now giving Toledo police officers until Tuesday to fulfill any previous obligations they made to area bar owners for off-duty security.

The delay was granted after union officials pointed out the administration's plans for immediate enforcement of the ban could leave establishments bereft this weekend for security they had planned. The administration agreed the businesses needed more time to find replacements.

Establishments that serve primarily alcohol have hired off-duty officers to help maintain security for years. The officers typically stand at entrance doors or in parking lots and do not enter unless needed.

The city has had a longstanding policy against the practice, but it had gone largely unenforced.