HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-09 Community Alcohol Coalition Minutes.docx
Minutes: August 11, 2009 Community Alcohol Coalition
Members Present: Jenny Haubenreiser, Jason Karls, Glenn Puffer, Susanna Darr, Ellie Staley, Rick Gale, Becky Franks,
Marty Kent, Sheryl Wambsgans , Jeff Krause
July minutes were approved by members present.
Discussion Items
?
Susanna indicated that she had seen signage about open containers utilized during the recent Artwalk (follow-up
to the July discussion).
?
Marty & Ellie clarified the current open container ordinance and procedures for Bozeman events. Violation of
the ordinance does include covered drinking cups.
?
The Bite of Bozeman event was discussed and how some of the downtown bars continue to sell drinks in “go
cups.” It is not illegal to serve a beverage in a “go cup,” so bar staff can maintain they don’t know that the drinks
are being taken out of the establishment. It appears, however, that this is being done intentionally during
downtown events and that many bar staff see this as a common practice. Since Sweetpea is a non-alcohol event,
the organizers do not get an open container waiver for this event (unlike Music on Main). Police monitoring the
event mostly gave out warnings as people were largely not unruly during the event itself. Problems did occur
later that evening.
?
The “culture” of alcohol downtown was discussed at more length, including the prevalence of open containers,
enforcement issues, and the potential for public (and business) confusion with “on/off” policies. These have
been discussed at length within the CAC and no easy solutions are apparent. The more serious problems seem
to be better due to changes in how events are organized.
?
Ellie discussed a recent event called Tour De Bozeman – the Crystal bar organized this and held a beer garden
during the event, which went well. She feels it was helpful to place the responsibility of monitoring open
containers with the business sponsoring the event. Ellie also clarified that event planners do pay for police
overtime during the downtown events.
?
Marty reported that the fairground teen dances have been much better. The event planner is not happy about
having to provide added security, nor does he want to have a police presence at these events. But the police,
event planners and fairgrounds managers are having regular meetings and have thus far avoided the “drunk
fests” that happened initially.
?
The CAC moved to a lengthy discussion of social host policies. Jenny brought in articles about the Billings and
Great Falls ordinances. Topics raised included how loud parties are often the “in” for social host violations and
how social host messages are typically directed toward parents, but in a college town like Bozeman, these could
impact students as well. Communication among parents, students and law enforcement would helpfresolve
some of the myths and misperceptions about law enforcement and service of alcohol to underage youth.
?
The role of policy “advocacy” was discussed - the CAC should only raise “pros” and “cons” of a policy, not
specifically advocate for passage of the policy. Susanna provided information on the impact of alcohol on the
developing brain, which would be available for informational purposed.
?
Jeff informed the group that social host will not likely be coming before the Commission soon since other
ordinances have priority. The group discussed various means to enlist public opinion and raise awareness in the
meantime. Rick suggested a parent’s forum at the high school; Jenny suggested something similar on campus.
thth
?
The September meeting will be held on the 15 instead of the 8 due to the holiday.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30. The next meeting will be on September 15th at 4 p.m.