Deep Ellum targets underage crowds with new summer program
A new summer pilot program in Deep Ellum aims to reduce underage visitors and prevent problems before they arise. Business owners say the neighborhood’s reputation — fair or not — often magnifies trouble. Alan Forkner, owner of The Nines, remembers being one of the teens once drawn to but excluded from Deep Ellum nightlife. The initiative focuses on keeping the district adult‑oriented and improving safety.