Opelousas Officials Seek Solutions for Nightclub Noise, Parking Issues

Police Chief and City Council work to balance resident concerns with business operations.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a discarded liquor bottle cap, its metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying a sense of the gritty, investigative nature of the nightclub issues.A nightclub's late-night disturbances spark resident complaints, exposing the tensions between business operations and community quality of life.Opelousas Today

Residents near a popular Opelousas nightclub called 'The Back' have been complaining about noise, loitering, and parking problems caused by late-night patrons. The city's mayor and police chief are now working to devise a plan that will provide relief for nearby residents while still allowing the nightclub to operate.

Why it matters

Balancing the needs of local businesses and residential neighborhoods is an ongoing challenge for many cities. This case highlights the tensions that can arise when a popular nightlife destination is located in close proximity to homes, and the difficulty in finding solutions that satisfy all stakeholders.

The details

Residents living along Foster and Blanchard streets near 'The Back' nightclub have reported issues such as parked vehicles blocking driveways, scattered trash, profanity, and loud noise late into the night and early morning hours. The Opelousas Board of Aldermen discussed the problem, with Police Chief Graig LeBlanc agreeing that the residents need relief. LeBlanc said the department normally assigns eight officers to handle security concerns at the nightclub, but this pulls resources away from other areas. Suggestions included placing signs warning customers about loitering, towing illegally parked vehicles, and setting up street barricades to limit vehicle access near the club. The Back's owner, Evelyn Jenkins, told the board she and her staff are doing what they can to manage customer behavior.

  • The Opelousas Board of Aldermen discussed the nightclub issues at their meeting on Tuesday night.
  • The problems with noise, parking, and loitering have persisted on weekends, late into Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The players

Julius Alsandor

The mayor of Opelousas who directed the police chief to devise a plan to address the nightclub issues.

Graig LeBlanc

The Opelousas police chief who agreed the nearby residents need relief from the nightclub problems, and suggested solutions like placing barricades and towing illegally parked vehicles.

Sherrell Roberts

An Opelousas alderwoman who asked to restore the discussion of the nightclub issues to the meeting agenda so residents could voice their concerns.

John Guilbeaux

An Opelousas alderman who suggested placing signs near the nightclub to warn customers about loitering.

Evelyn Jenkins

The owner of 'The Back' nightclub who told the board she and her staff are working to manage customer behavior.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We don't want to stop business, but we want to protect the rights of the people who live there.”

— Graig LeBlanc, Police Chief

“It's that simple.”

— Unidentified woman, Resident

What’s next

The police chief said he wants to establish security measures to provide relief for the nearby residents, while still allowing the nightclub to continue operating. The city council and police department will work to implement a plan that balances the needs of the business and the community.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge cities face in managing the tensions between local businesses and residential neighborhoods, especially when it comes to nightlife establishments. Finding solutions that satisfy all stakeholders requires creativity, compromise, and a commitment to balancing competing interests.