title
Ordinance Suspending Enforcement of Open Container During the COVID-19 Pandemic (B)
ORDINANCE NO. 200250
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, suspending the enforcement of Sec. 4-4 and Sec. 18-20(16) as it relates to the consumption or possession of any alcoholic beverage in any open container on property owned or operated by the city (including parks) or on any public right-of-way during the declared State of Emergency for the COVID-19 Pandemic; providing for repeal by emergency ordinance; providing for non-codification; providing a severability clause; providing a conflict clause; and providing an effective date and termination date
recommendation
The City Commission discuss the draft ordinance and take action deemed appropriate.
explanation
City Management and the City Commission are concerned that with the return of University of Florida students to Gainesville for the Fall 2020 semester, the operating and capacity restrictions placed on bars and restaurants through the State and County Emergency Orders issued in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic will drive students to congregate and possess and consume alcoholic beverages in large, non-socially distant groups in indoor locations (such as house or fraternity/sorority parties).
To address this concern, City Management and the City Commission desire to provide opportunity for all persons to possess and consume alcoholic beverages outdoors on City-owned or operated property (including parks) and public right-of-way throughout the City by temporarily suspending the enforcement (as to personal possession and consumption) of Sec. 4-4 and Sec. 18-20(16) of the City Code of Ordinances. This ordinance is intended to be of limited duration during the declared emergency for the COVID-19 Pandemic and may be repealed by emergency ordinance if the cessation of enforcement creates an immediate public health, safety or welfare concern.
If adopted on first reading on September 3, 2020, this ordinance will be heard on second reading at the Special City Commission Meeting on September 10, 2020.
fiscal note
There is no fiscal impact on the General Government budget resulting from adoption of this ordinance.