DUI
Missouri Town Bans Minors From Bars
Springfield voters approve law aimed at reducing underage drinking
Because the ordinance was placed on the ballot after a petition initiative, the city charter requires that the vote be certified by the county clerk. Then the ordinance must be reviewed and approved by the city council.
Earlier in the year the city council passed a similar ordinance that allowed minors in bars when the bars agreed to certain requirements and penalties. A few establishments also applied for a special Underage Patron Permit. The new law basically says that anyone under the legal drinking age is banned from bars where the majority of revenue comes from alcohol. It also eliminates the special underage permit.
Due in part to potential confusion between the old and new laws, and a frustration on the part of bar owners with the changing requirements, the Springfield, Missouri Police have indicated they will initially focus on education, rather than enforcement. Police Chief Lynn Rowe said, "I think it would be fair to communicate with the alcohol outlets to make sure that they know what the law says." The ordinance has opponents though generally bars are in favor of the law. Addressing responsible underage patrons, especially at music venues, and tolerating those who are designated drivers remain at issue. Under the old law, a few bars organized non-alcoholic events early in the evening for minors and it is not certain if they will be able to continue that strategy. Some have expressed concern over the limited nightlife options for older teens.
Traditional restaurants are not affected because of relatively minimal alcohol sales. Even those with a more significant bar presence will not be impacted when food sales and cover charges represent a large part of the gross income.
The issue of cover charges being used to dilute the percentage of sales attributable to alcohol, and thus circumventing the new ordinance, has been recognized as a problematic loophole. The Missouri DWI Task Force would like to amend the ordinance but by law a petition initiative cannot be changed or repealed for six months, and then only by a unanimous vote of the city council.
In the mean time, it is hoped that the spirit of the new law is embraced by bar owners and patrons. Civic leaders cite a need for addressing the problems of underage drinking, and they feel the ordinance is positive for youth and the community alike.
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Monday, November 13, 2006
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