HomeMy WebLinkAboutA009 - Council Action Form dated March 29, 1989 ITEM
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DATE March 28, 1989
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE TO CREATE ANOTHER EXCEPTION TO THE
PROHIBITION AGAINST UNDERAGE PERSONS IN BARS
BACKGROUND:
The proposed changes to the City Ordinance that prohibits minors on certain
premises was drafted at the request of Doug Martin, President of the Iowa State
University Government of the Student Body (GSB). It would allow persons age
19 and 20 to be on licensed premises while alcohol/beer is being dispensed,
provided the licensee has an approved written plan covering how the alco-
hol/beer would be served and consumed by only those of lawful age. The
Police Department believes that allowing 19 and 20 year-old people within these
establishments would create additional enforcement problems. The local courts
have consistently ruled that the Officers must actually witness a suspect with
an alcoholic beverage in hand.
To create any consistent and effective enforcement, the Police Department would
need to develop covert operations which is more draining on manpower and
funding. Additionally, Ames has been experiencing an alcohol use and abuse
problem for some time. The City Council has recognized that concern and has
made efforts to deal with it by adding Police Officers, enacting appropriate
activities. The staff believes that those efforts should be given a chance to
succeed before making changes in this ordinance.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Take no action.
2. Pass the changes in the ordinance.
3. Do not pass the changes in the ordinance.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #k3 and do not pass the changes in the ordinance to create another
exception to the prohibition against underage persons being in bars. This
ordinance would create additional enforcement problems, and the other actions
taken previously by the City Council should be given the opportunity to
succeed before making changes in this ordinance.
COUNCIL ACTION: