If you’ve ever worked the door or tended bar on a busy weekend night, you know it’s not always about pouring drinks and playing music — sometimes it’s about keeping the peace. That was the case in Portsmouth as officers found themselves bouncing between bars to break up the drama.
Frank & Steins Lounge — Midnight Madness
Just after midnight, police were called to Frank & Steins Lounge when a woman reported she’d been in a fight with another patron. By the time officers arrived, the other person was gone. They called for an ambulance to check on the woman and requested security footage.
But before the paperwork was even finished, another call came in: a fight in the back lot of the same bar. Police arrested Andrew Bevis for disorderly conduct and booked him into the Scioto County Jail.
Party Time Bar — A Calmer Exit
Just before 1 a.m., officers rolled over to the Party Time Bar where a rowdy patron refused to leave. This time, things went smoothly: police convinced the person to take a cab and the patron left without further trouble.
⚖️ The Bigger Picture: Why Bars Are Hard to Police
Maintaining order at bars, especially on the weekends, is no easy task:
- 🍺 Alcohol-fueled tempers: Arguments that might end with words elsewhere can turn physical after a few rounds.
- 🕛 Late-night hours: Most calls come after midnight, when officers are already stretched thin.
- 👮 Split-second decisions: Police and bar staff have to act fast to keep a situation from spiraling into violence.
Takeaway: Bars are supposed to be about fun — but for staff and police, they’re often about crowd control. A little patience, a designated driver, and knowing when to call it a night can make all the difference.
