Fargo-Moorhead's largest entertainment complex has started using metal detectors to send a message that weapons won't be tolerated inside, its general manager said.
The Hub began using the wand-type detectors about two weeks ago, said Kerry Fernholz, who oversees the multi-bar facility at 2525 9th Ave. S. in Fargo.
"It's really not due to anything in particular," Fernholz said. "It was just more of being proactive and making sure we're sending a message that it's a safe place and that we don't allow any weapons or anything of that sort around here."
The metal detectors won't greet patrons every night but will be used sporadically, he said.
The Hub hasn't had problems with people bringing in weapons, he said, adding if staffers find anything, it's usually a pocket knife.
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In the past six months, Fargo police have received 30 calls to service to The Hub involving fights or assaults, Sgt. Mark Lykken said.
Two of those calls included reports to dispatchers that one of the parties had a knife, but officers didn't file a report in either case because the parties were gone by the time they arrived, he said.
Roughly 20 to 25 percent of the calls involved skirmishes outside the bar, he said. The calls don't include instances where The Hub's bouncers were assaulted or accused of assaulting someone, he said.
Lykken said he's not aware of any other bars in Fargo currently using metal detectors. The Fargo Police Department doesn't advocate or discourage such security measures for private businesses, he said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mike Nowatzki at (701) 241-5528
