Title
Open Container Policies/Chapter 4, Article III Underage Prohibition in Alcoholic Beverage Establishments (B)
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Code of Ordinances relating to persons under the age of 21 in alcoholic beverage establishments; by amending Chapter 4, Article III to regulate persons under 21 being present in alcoholic beverage establishments which have a high number of underage alcohol violations. **ESTIMATED PRESENATION 15 MINUTES**
This item includes the original title from the previous agenda item on updating Underage Prohibition in Alcoholic Beverage Establishments, Item # 160062.
Explanation
In the past year, concerns were raised regarding Chapter 4, Article III of the Alcohol Beverages ordinance regarding the enforcement and penalty process for underage prohibition orders. The Gainesville Police Department was tasked with drafting some potential changes to alleviate these concerns while at the same time attempting to deal with ongoing public safety concerns. General revision concepts to Chapter 4 have been presented to both the former Public Safety Committee and Community Alcohol Coalition with positive responses. The Public Safety Committee referred the issue to the Commission for final action. GPD has proposed amendments to Chapter 4, Article III which would help alleviate the problems of persons under 21 years of age from consuming alcoholic beverages in alcoholic beverage establishments.
The Gainesville Police Department held two meetings with stakeholders on September 19th and 21st, 2016. The first meeting (19th) was attended by two representatives from UF student government. UF Student Body President Susan Webster suggested the two ID requirement for bars to utilize.
GPD members met with bar owners and employees on the 21st in regards to the possible changes to the ordinance. Their concerns/requests were as follows: 1) Cost of Permit; 2) Cost of any required staff training and time frame for how long training was good for; 3) Costs of purchasing ID scanners; 4) Associating bar occupancy with requirement due to cost of hiring police as exterior security; 5) Time frame for reset of permit violations; and 6) Allowing persons under 18 years of age to attend music events at alcoholic establishments without a guardian/parent.
Fiscal Note
None.
Recommendation
The General Policy Committee authorize GPD and City staff to move forward proposing amendments to Chapter 4, Article III, relating to Underage Prohibition Orders.