By Ray King

A city-wide curfew in Pine Bluff will remain in effect despite the fact that businesses, including the Saracen Casino Annex are preparing to reopen on May 18.

The curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., seven days and week and is currently due to expire May 31.

On Monday, Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant said that patrons traveling to and from the casino should not encounter any problems and on Tuesday, Mayor Shirley Washington echoed that sentiment.

In a wide-ranging interview on the Oldies 101.3 morning show with Greg Horne and Will Jenkins, Washington said:

She said she understood that the casino will be open until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m.

”We don’t think that’s going to be a problem as long as people are driving safely and orderly to a place. We don’t want the loitering or the unsafe driving or large gatherings so that’s the main reason the curfew is going to stay in place.”

In a wide- ranging interview, the Mayor also said that city officials have made the decision to keep the Aquatic Center closed through the end of May.

She said when the center does open, it will be for things like water aerobics classes.

“We will be meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) and I will come on your show and tell you what our final decision will be,” Washington said to Horne.