Title
Underage Drinking Ordinance Issues (NB)
Explanation
The City Commission referred the issue of the Underage Drinking Ordinance to the Public Safety Committee (PSC) to review at its August 5, 2010 meeting. The Committee was asked to review the provision in the ordinance that does not allow underage patrons in restaurants that serve alcohol after 9:00 P.M. After hearing input from staff, it was recommended that the hours for underage patrons not be changed.
During this initial discussion, the topic of soft closings was brought up and was again discussed at the February 14 and May 16, 2011 PSC Meetings. The committee heard research from other cities on their closing ordinances and guidelines. During all three discussions, Gainesville Police Department recommended not to change the closing hours from the current times due to staffing and public safety issues.
At the June 28, 2012 PSC meeting, the members determined the original intent of this referral had been fulfilled with no recommendations for change. After hearing from downtown business owners, the Committee would like for City staff to investigate the standardization of security protocols and the City's permitting process for alcohol serving establishments.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
The City Commission direct City staff to: 1) investigate the standardization of security protocol for alcohol serving establishments; 2) investigate the standardization of the City's permitting process for alcohol serving establishments; and 3) remove this referral from the Public Safety Committee referral list.