Large crowds expected in Downtown Columbia this weekend before colleges start classes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Thousands of college students have returned to Columbia for the new school year .

Dan Rader, owner of MyHouse Sports Bar and Nightclub -- who just finished an $800,000 renovation of the bar -- is expecting an influx in business with the new school year beginning next week.

"We're very excited to debut it (the renovation) today. We worked really hard to make sure we met today as the deadline since so many people will be coming in town and going out for the first time for the school year," Rader said.

With increased foot traffic, this weekend is expected to be one of the busiest for businesses.

"We train all of our bartenders to look out for customers that seem overly intoxicated, and we cut them off and kick them out. And if needed, try to arrange for transportation," Rader said.

The Columbia Police Department continues to deal with staffing shortages, but despite this, they remain focused on maintaining a strong presence in the downtown area.

"Staffing continues to be the biggest problem affecting the service CPD is able to provide as a police department.  Currently, we have around 32 officer vacancies and 18 officers in various stages of training. We are currently 50 fully trained officers short of our authorized strength," CPD Assistant Chief Mark Fitzgerald said in an email sent to ABC 17 News on Aug. 5.

Typically, one or two officers patrol the Downtown and East Campus areas per shift, according to information from Fitzgerald. However, during busy times such as bar closings or when large crowds are expected, shift supervisors will reassign officers from other areas to assist, the email says.

Rader said his business is prepared for large crowds.

"We expect there to be a lot of excitement and a lot of demand to come in, so it'll be hard. We'll be carding very hard. You'll have to be 21 to get in here, and we intend to be extremely strict about that," Rader said.

The CPD said that the most common calls Downtown involve trespassing, disturbances and parking violations.

Check back for updates.

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