HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-09 Community Alcohol Coalition Minutes
Minutes: September 15, 2009 Community Alcohol Coalition
Members Present: Jenny Haubenreiser, Jason Karls, Glenn Puffer, Ellie Staley, Rick Gale, Clare Darrough
August minutes were approved by members present.
Discussion Items
The group continued discussion about the Bozeman social host policy. Jenny learned the ordinance draft
submitted by the CAC last October is not being actively considered by the Commission (this has been given a low
priority). However, the group will continue to discuss strategies about how best to move forward. The group the
need to increase public conversation about this and the need to dispel common misperceptions about the
policy. Rick said he has been discussing the possibility of a parent presentation about social host at the high
school. Laura St. John (BHS health educator) would be able to help coordinate this.
Jenny announced that a guest from the Institutes for Public Strategies will be attending the next meeting to
discuss social host policy and progress being made in other communities in Montana.
Jason raised the question re: alcohol service at the downtown Artwalks, as well as a grand opening event for a
new downtown business. This led to a lengthy discussion about current state policy. Ellie has been told that this
practice is legal for “opening” events conducted by private businesses (which would include the Artwalks). Other
communities have similar functions. Jason was given different information by the Dept. of Revenue. Both Ellie &
Jason will look into this further. The provision of alcohol during these types of events, per se, is not considered
risky; however, the potential for legal issues could be problematic for the City. The question of liability should be
resolved. This issue will be reviewed at a future meeting after more information is obtained.
Jason discussed mandatory RASS (responsible alcohol sales & service) training and state policy. Twelve states
have made this mandatory and currently a group of agencies in Montana are looking into ways to expand and
improve the existing curriculum (offered through the state). Jason sited research showing a reduction in
underage drinking in states that have made this mandatory. Clair spoke about how this is handled in Alaska
(where she went through the training last summer). A question was raised re: who would be cited for violations
in Montana – the server or the business owner? Jason will look into this.
Jason also gave a summary of an alcohol sales & server policy he is working on. This includes a concise
description of legal responsibilities related to alcohol service, along with education related to over-service and
available training. The group feels this will be a great tool for business owners, as many do not receive this
information in a clear format. The group further feels this would be useful for other events that involve alcohol,
not just bars.
Glenn discussed MSU tailgate and how problems with alcohol have been reduced in past years with some of the
newer event policies. He has had recent discussions with students, however, who feel they should be allowed to
bring in more alcohol.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30. The next meeting will be on October 13th at 4 p.m.