New entertainment license restrictions

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There's some changes in store for Springfield bar-goers.

Bars and nightclubs will now be stopping entertainment by 1AM instead of 2AM.

It's all part of a city wide effort to make the street a safer place, especially on Worthington Street, in the heart of the entertainment district.

It's a place that's been home to stabbings, shootings and even murders.

Just a couple week ago, a man was shot in the back, allegedly coming out of the Odyssey Nightclub at the intersection of Dwight and Taylor Streets.

And back in October another man was shot and killed.

The city's plan to stop this includes now requiring any bar or nightclub to obtain a late night entertainment license in order to entertain past 1AM instead of 2AM.

Mayor Sarno told 22News too many people from surrounding towns were racing to Springfield for last call and causing problems.

The city will also, at least temporarily, try closing a portion of Worthington Street between Stearn Square and Dwight Street during the peak problem hours of midnight to 4AM.

The trial begins at the end of February and runs for 90 days.