New security policy to be implemented at 3 downtown Little Rock entertainment venues

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/BENJAMIN KRAIN --8/22/2017--
Camille Rule and Chris Counts enter Robinson Auditorium in August.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/BENJAMIN KRAIN --8/22/2017-- Camille Rule and Chris Counts enter Robinson Auditorium in August.

New security procedures will soon be in place for three entertainment venues in downtown Little Rock.

Walk-through metal detectors will be mandatory effective Jan. 21 for all ticketed live performances at properties managed by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, according to a news release.

Those venues are Robinson Center, the First Security Amphitheater and the Statehouse Convention Center.

Visitors Bureau President and CEO Gretchen Hall called the security measures increasingly “common practice” among other public assembly venues as requirements from event promoters.

“While there is no perfect system, patron safety is our No. 1 priority and concern,” Hall said in a statement. “We strive to ensure our patrons have an enjoyable and safe experience at events in our managed facilities.”

The changed security procedure will be first implemented during the Jason Isbell concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 21 at Robinson Center.

Patrons who attend events at the three venues are also advised to only bring necessary items to expedite the screening process.

Bags and purses are limited in size to 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches, and all bags must be searched.

Items prohibited at the venues include weapons, fireworks, pyrotechnics, drugs, illegal substances, recording devices, cameras, computers, outside food or beverages and selfie sticks.

Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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