By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Enhanced security measures is prompting M&T Bank to limit the public access to the upper floors of the M&T Center in downtown Buffalo.

The new measures, set to take hold in January, means that downtown workers, residents and visitors who frequented the M&T Bank Cafe on the second floor of the building will be denied access. The cafe is a popular breakfast and lunch destination.

Chet Bridger, M&T Bank spokesman, said limiting access in the M&T Center is similar to other security measures already employed at other buildings operated by the bank. To go beyond the first floor, visitors will need to clear a security checkpoint and have a specific appointment.

Visitors have limited access to such buildings as M&T corporate headquarters, also on Main Street in downtown Buffalo, and at number of its other operations including a back office center on Wehrle Drive in Amherst.

M&T operates a branch in the historic, golden-domed building at the corner of Main and Huron streets. That branch has full public access.

The M&T Center houses a number of operations for the Buffalo-based bank, meaning that tight security measures most be employed.