More than 100 citations given at nightclubs and bars over weekend, Houston Mayor John Whitmire says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Police Department's new crime protection team, "Club Unit", was out this weekend to see if nightclubs were following compliance and safety requirements. Over a three-day period, multiple city agencies gave out more than 100 citations, according to a social media post by Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

HPD told ABC13 they're focusing on the Washington Corridor and the Emancipation area. The department said it plans to have its "Club Unit" out every weekend.

In a social media post, Mayor Whitmire released some data from Club Unit's operations from July 17 to July 19.

According to Whitmire's post, there were 13 inspections, 115 citations, 12 warnings, two misdemeanor arrests, and five bars and clubs closed. Some citations were health-related and had to do with unauthorized food service. Other citations were related to a business not having certain documentation, like a certificate of occupancy.

Three clubs on Washington Avenue received 15-day notices for not having a Certificate of Occupancy, according to Houston Public Works.

The department said within that time frame, if a business does not start the process to try and get the certificate, they could face future citations.

This new initiative is welcomed by some people who live in the area, like Jill Herrera.

"It does seem that it has become unsafe," Herrera said. "I'm glad that they're really cracking down to make sure that it is a safe place."

Herrera said she noticed over the weekend it was a lot quieter than usual.

"There were no cars. There were no people," Herrera said. "It seems that they, like, just, I don't know, closed it down. I was actually going to look up, like, is there some kind of holiday or what's going on?"

Typically, Herrera said she hears fighting, yelling, or even gunshots on the weekend. She said she hopes this can help create a safer environment for everyone in the area.

"I don't want people getting hurt thinking they're coming there for a safe night out," Herrera said.