Los Angeles police review scores of popular nightclubs to prevent attacks

Police are conducting a security review of scores of popular Los Angeles nightclubs because of the failed bomb plot in London.

Photo: Los Angeles police review scores of popular nightclubs to prevent attacks

There was no known threat to area clubs, authorities said. The review is being done out of an abundance of caution.

The review includes looking at how terrorists could target the nightspots and developing better ways to protect patrons.

"The threat has significantly expanded," Chief William Bratton said, noting that the high number of nightclubs in Hollywood made the area a potential target.

Some nightclub owners welcomed the review, but were skeptical the clubs would be targeted.

"It's not as dense a population and everyone is" in cars, said Marvin Epstein, a co-owner of the nightclub Cinespace on Hollywood Boulevard. "It doesn't get crowded until 11 p.m. and things close at 2 a.m. It's a small window."

Two explosives-packed cars were parked in the heart of London's nightlife district last month, one of them outside a nightclub on Haymarket, a busy street of shops, clubs, theaters and restaurants just yards from Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. The other was towed after being found parked illegally on a nearby street.