The Iowa House has voted to "put some teeth" into the state’s bouncer training law. The original law was approved after Charles Lovelady died at a Des Moines nightclub in 2000. A coroner ruled Lovelady died from suffocation after being placed in a choke-hold by two bouncers.
Representative Ako Abdul Samad says requiring security training for folks who work in bars that collect a cover charge may prevent tragedies like Lovelady’s death. According to Abdul Samaad, the bouncers involved had no security training. If this new bill becomes law, training programs for bar bouncers would have to be authorized by the state and include instruction on proper restraint methods.
As Charles Lovelady’s mother watched the House debate the bill, Abdul Samaad told his colleagues her son’s death was the inspiration for the legislation. "It’s unfortunate that a young man of 26 had to lose his life to provide life to others," Abdul Samaad said. The House voted unanimously to send the bill to the Senate.