Las Vegas Intensifies ‘Order Out Corridor’ Scrutiny, Bans More Gamblers

The city of Las Vegas has implemented an “order out corridor” in its downtown area, resulting in nearly 250 individuals being prohibited from entering certain tourist destinations. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, this measure was introduced during the winter season and has been in effect since late November — and is still gaining momentum.

The order empowers Municipal Court judges to issue suspended jail sentences to individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses, on the condition that they avoid the designated corridor for up to a year. As of early this month, 246 individuals have been ordered to stay away, with 81 incarcerated for violating the order. Notably, nine individuals have violated the order multiple times.

Common Offenses and Affected Groups

• The most frequent offenses leading to these restrictions include trespassing, battery, obstructing police, and disturbing the peace.

• Over half of the offenders were identified as homeless by city officials.

• The initiative reflects a growing focus on downtown crime prevention efforts.

The “order out corridor” covers 144 acres between Stewart and Bridger avenues and Main and Eighth streets, with an additional 67 acres surrounding The Strat. The ordinance, introduced in November, expanded an existing “order out zone” that previously applied to those convicted of prostitution and drug crimes.

This move followed a broader Clark County initiative launched in 2022 to manage crime around the Strip. However, the county’s order has since faced legal challenges, and the city is closely watching a pending Nevada Supreme Court determination. Las Vegas City Attorney Jeff Dorocak continues to brief the council on developments.

Civil Liberties Concerns

• The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada (ACLU) argues the policy unfairly targets homeless individuals, street performers, and protesters.

• Critics claim the order enables “stop-and-frisk” policing and violates First Amendment (free speech) and 14th Amendment (right to movement) protections.

• The city ordinance includes exceptions for residents, workers, and those engaging in religious activities — with three exceptions approved so far.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department and City Marshals, the corridor has led to a notable drop in violent incidents: aggravated assaults have decreased 10% downtown and 40% near The Strat.

In November, the City Council rejected a proposal to further expand the corridor. However, Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske have since expressed openness to extending the zone to include Main Street Casino and Plaza Hotel & Casino areas.

Looking Ahead

• The city cites public safety improvements as justification for maintaining the corridor.

• Civil rights advocates vow to continue legal and public challenges.

• Officials remain divided on whether expansion would improve safety or deepen inequality.

The debate over the “order out corridor” is far from over. As Las Vegas weighs security against civil liberties, the city’s struggle reflects a broader national question — how to ensure safety without compromising freedom.