OAKLAND -- This city wants to heat up its nightclub and bar scene by relaxing local cabaret laws that govern its late-night venues. That's raising safety concerns in a town that already has a reputation for crime.

Andrew Jones is one of those who's concerned. Mr. Jones, a service manager for the Downtown Oakland Association and Lake Merritt/Uptown Association, says the city has to get a handle on its crime problem -- such as shootouts and robberies -- before it expands its club scene.

"The...