Some managers of businesses on the Strip are now complaining of an increased police presence after Sgt. Lisa Green, of the Knoxville Police Department, was struck on Sept. 28.

The manager of Spicy’s on the Strip, Will West, said business was down this year partly due to students fearing more police on Cumberland Avenue, but also from the changing of the open container law last year. The changed law prohibits businesses from selling beer in parking lot areas.

“A lot of people are paranoid,” West said, referring to the recent decline in business. “The rumor is on the street that a lot of stings are coming up in the next few days.”

West said the stings were being conducted by underage police cadets who try to buy beer.

“I’ve had a few more cadets lately,” he said. “I understand their (KPD officers’) point totally (following the incident).”

The incident involved an 18-year-old driver who allegedly ran a red light on the crosswalk of Cumberland Avenue and 19th Street and struck the walking officer. Reports later confirmed that the driver and a 24-year-old passenger of the vehicle were served alcohol at The Pub prior to the accident.

KPD spokesman, Darrell DeBusk, denied there had been more stings since Green was struck.

“Just because of the incident (involving Green), we have not changed our plans,” DeBusk said. “We will continue our sting operations there (on the Strip) and across the area.”

West also said Knoxville police have cracked down “a whole lot more” with people leaving bars with alcohol.

“They’re citing people who have beer as they leave and then finding out what bar they left, then (going and) talking to the bar,” West said.

DeBusk denied this allegation as well.

“Enforcement efforts haven’t changed,” DeBusk said when asked about an increased targeting of students.

John Burns, manager of The Sunspot, said he had not noticed an increase of cadets, but has noticed more police cars parked on 19th Street during game day weekends.

“There were more police cars parked on the street, by at least three or four,” Burns said. “(And) I do feel like I saw more officers around during the (Arkansas) game.”

DeBusk also denied these statements.

“There has not been an increase (in officers),” DeBusk said. “The same plan is in place (now) as at the first game.”

Burns said he did not believe the increased presence of police has hurt business at The Sunspot but offered instead the belief that Tennessee’s football play was more to blame.

“There’s a direct correlation between how UT plays and how people part with their money,” Burns said.

DeBusk would not give the number of police officers assigned to the Strip.

“We don’t talk numbers on our enforcement efforts,” he said. “That’s for the security of our officers.”