This story was updated at 3:45 p.m. to include a formal statement from City Controller Chris Hollins.

A proposed amendment to a city ordinance aimed at increasing transparency and preventing discriminatory enforcement of dress codes will go before Houston City Council this week. Introduced by Council Member Edward Pollard, the measure would require all nightclubs and dance halls that enforce a dress code to clearly post the policy at the entrance of their establishments.

Current city ordinance defines dance halls as public venues that offer dancing and may serve alcohol. The new proposal, listed as Prop A, seeks to reinforce and clarify existing rules by mandating that any venue with a dress code must display it conspicuously at or near the entrance during business hours. If a dress code is not posted, the policy cannot be enforced.

“Transparency and fairness are fundamental to how we operate as a city,” Pollard said. “This change ensures that no one is subject to arbitrary and unseen policies.”

Pollard said his decision to bring the amendment forward stems from personal experiences, including a recent incident involving himself and City Controller Chris Hollins. According to Pollard, both he and Hollins encountered what appeared to be an arbitrary dress code requirement at a local establishment. The experience underscored, he said, the need for clearer standards across the city.

“Houston is built on diversity and openness — there’s no room for discrimination, in any form, wherever it appears.

In 2025, we will not tolerate unfair practices that allow bias to masquerade as routine business. If elected officials are encountering this kind of arbitrary treatment, it’s almost certain that everyday Houstonians are facing it even more often—and that’s unacceptable.

We deserve a city where fairness is a lived reality. I support any step that moves us closer to that ideal.”

The ordinance amendment is co-sponsored by Council Members Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and Letitia Plummer. It is scheduled to be presented during this week’s City Council session.