An increase in the bartime volume of intoxicated people around the 600 block of University Avenue is a growing concern among Madison police, but the Central District captain said the increase in bartime fights and other incidents is normal for the beginning of the school year.

City Council President Mike Verveer, District 4, said nighttime officers from the police department have expressed concerns about the hundreds of bar patrons who gather in the area at bartime.

“They said there has been more of an increased risk than ever before,” Verveer said.

He said the immediate popularity of Johnny O’s at 620 University Ave. may account for part of the increase.

Officials told Verveer they were concerned the City Council and the city’s Alcohol License Review Committee were allowing too many drinking establishments in that area and it was turning into its own State Street.

On Aug. 26, Verveer said an intoxicated pedestrian was run over by a drunk driver in front of Wando’s and hit the car’s windshield but escaped serious injuries.

“When there is well over 1,000 people pouring out of that area, it may be just a matter of time when there could be a more serious pedestrian incident,” he said.

Jon Okonek, owner of Club Amazon and Johnny O’s, said in an interview that besides a few recent incidents of large-scale bartime fights, he has not seen more trouble than usual.

During the weekend of Aug. 23, Madison Police Department Central District Captain Luis Yudice said officers were called to the 600 block of University after reports that around 50 people were fighting in front of Johnny O’s and Club Amazon.

When police arrived, Yudice said the fight actually involved around 150 people.

“The mere presence of police and squad cars is enough to create a breakup,” Yudice said.

When such a large-scale fight happens, Yudice said police must use good judgment by dealing with the worst incidents first where people are in immediate danger.

He said additional police from UW Police, Capitol Police, the Dane County Sheriff’s Department and other Madison Police districts may also be called.

Yudice said the department tries to anticipate nights when there may be large bartime crowds downtown in the quadrant bound by Carroll Street, where Madison Area Technical College is located, Lake Street, Langdon Street and University Avenue.

Often, the nights when more fights and alcohol-related crimes are reported on University, there is more crime reported in the State Street area, too, according to Yudice.

“Often [officers] go call to call on those nights,” he said.

Okonek said bartime fights are something he expects and that during the summer there is a greater potential for fights because patrons remain in front of bars longer.

Between Club Amazon and Johnny O’s, Okonek said as many as 24 bouncers are on hand to handle crowds.

“It’s always something we address,” Okonek said.