Fort Worth is setting a new standard for nightlife safety with the soon-to-launch Golden Lasso Accreditation, aimed at bars, restaurants, and venues in its four main entertainment districts. This voluntary certification, which comes at no cost to establishments, is designed to give patrons a visible sign that the place they're enjoying their night out is committed to security and safety measures.
The initiative emerged from a partnership between the City of Fort Worth, the Entertainment District Task Force, and public and private funders, which together raised nearly $150,000 for the program, according to City of Fort Worth news release, businesses in the West 7th, Downtown, Near Southside-Magnolia, and Stockyards districts can display a Golden Lasso sign, signaling their accreditation and by extension, their dedication to creating a safe space for everyone.
Executive Assistant Police Chief Robert Alldredge took to the City Council on Tuesday to discuss the program as part of a broader conversation on the safety overhaul in Fort Worth's buzzing nightlife areas. The Golden Lasso Accreditation was introduced as a response to heightened concerns over safety and crime that had been brewing since the summer of 2023.
The Golden Lasso targets TABC-licensed establishments specifically, looking to reduce alcohol-related issues and foster a community of trust among nightlife business owners the City, state agency partners, and the community as a whole, SafeNight LLC, a global consultant firm specialized in safety enhancement, was brought in to conduct an analysis, develop the accreditation guidelines and recommend training for staff in hospitality roles.
