Downtown club changes rules to make for safer environment.

During the summer months the Union Plaza entertainment district could see thousands of party-goers over the span of a weekend.

But in the past the district has also seen a number of assaults, stabbings and even shootings.

The incidents are making some think twice about going back.

“We wanted to give the adults somewhere to come and have fun without having drama,” said Rico Torres, manager at Club Black Pearl.

He tells ABC-7 the club that has stood the test of time at the Union Plaza District is making a bold move.

“January of this year we started the 25 and-over night. Gentlemen, you have to be 25 and-over, ladies can be 21 and over because we all know women(are) mature more than men, so 21 and over is fine for the ladies,” Torres said.

“We’re very happy and supportive that businesses like this are working to keep downtown safe,” said Rudy Vasquez, spokesperson for the Downtown Management District.

Vasquez says although there are incidents in the area it’s still relatively secure.

“Incidents are few and far between, they are very low. We are a safe downtown and as a result we are a safe city,” Vasquez added.

Torres tells ABC-7 the club has new ownership and they’ve made changes to including a new elegant VIP room with silky drapes and marble walls.

“I’ve seen downtown transition,” Torres said. “It’s been young, it’s been older. We just wanted to go to the direction where it’s time for us to step up into that older crowd.”

We contacted the El Paso Police department and asked for the number of officers on the ground during the weekends. The police sent this statement:

“As far as officers that work that area they come from Central Command Center. There are no dedicated officers assigned to work that area at this time. Officers from central respond when called and patrol when available. There were six officers assigned to work that area on Friday and Saturday night but the funding source ran out or had to be allocated elsewhere,” said Sgt. Robert Gomez, El Paso Police spokesman.

Bar owners in the area tell ABC-7 they were surprised to hear the news saying they felt police presence in they area played a major role in keeping the district secure.

On Friday night, several police were seen on foot, on bikes and patrol cars but a El Paso Chihuahuas game had just wrapped up.