The city council on Thursday approved the drafting of an ordinance to regulate non-alcoholic clubs, such as Illusions, the site of a fatal stabbing two days later.

“Those types of establishments can have the same kind of impacts that regular bars and clubs can have, but there’s no state regulation or oversight on those establishments because they’re not serving alcohol,” City Development Manager George Curtis told the council.

The ordinance will require such establishments to be licensed and would regulate noise levels; hours of operation; ages of patrons and distance requirements from churches, schools and residential properties.

Council President John Hale asked whether the ordinance would affect organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club.

Curtis said school and church related activities, as well as non-profit organizations would be exempt from such regulations.

Live Oak Police Chief Buddy Williams said Monday the need for the ordinance was prompted by a few non-alcoholic clubs that have operated in the Suwannee County Mall. He said the clubs have lacked hours of operation and that LOPD has gotten several calls from neighbors about the noise level in the area.

Illusions is the only non-alcoholic nightclub now operating in Live Oak.

The ordinance will be presented at the next regular council meeting.