HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-11 Community Alcohol Coalition Minutes Minutes: Community Alcohol Coalition
October 4,2011
Members present: Jenny Haubenreiser, Dave McManis,Jason Karls,Tanner Moe,Jenna Caplette
Prospective members: Matt Caires (MSU Dean of Students), Ken Spenser(Alcohol & Drug Services of Gallatin
Country)
Public comment: none
Special presentations:
• Jenny reported that two students will be joining the CAC within the next month. She also introduced Matt
Caires,the new MSU Dean of Students,who is interested in being involved with the group. Matt moved to
Bozeman from Laramie Wyoming in July and he brings a strong background and knowledge working with
campus and community alcohol issues, including membership with UW's coalition (campus, community and
state stakeholders). Matt further discussed some of his priorities,which include more timely responses to
problem behavior around student alcohol use and better communication among campus and community
agencies, including Bozeman police.
• Ken Spencer was introduced as Jason's replacement at Alcohol and Drug Services (Jason is currently enrolled
in a counseling program at MSU and has begun his internship). Ken's background is in the field of substance
abuse treatment counseling and he is excited about working with young adults within the community MIP
program.
• Jason and Dave clarified parts of the state laws related to alcohol service.Jenny reported an anonymous
complaint about a local restaurant owner requiring an underage server(MSU student)to consume large
amounts of alcohol while on the job.The student was advised to report this to the police, but it is not certain
whether this happened. In Montana, people under 18 can serve alcohol, but they cannot be given alcohol by
anyone other than a parent or guardian (and only in non-intoxicating amounts) in the home.
• The group continued discussion of one of the CAC priorities: over-service at local bars.These have been
difficult violations to control, including enforcement of the state "dram shop" law. Dave reported that a third
offence (if cited)within a three year period is$1500 and a 20 day suspension of the liquor license. He feels
economic sanctions are likely to be the most powerful incentive. Dave reported going to the downtown bars
to make sure owners know the rules. He has also identified a couple of youth volunteers (under 21)to assist
with future compliance checks.Jenny suggested a consultation with the state Department of Revenue to
provide more targeted education.
• The group continued discussion of a particular downtown bar that has been an ongoing source of rumors
related to possible drugging. Dave explained these rumors are extremely hard to prove as they would require
a blood test within a certain amount of time.Thus far these reports have not been substantiated, but the
rumors persist.
• Jenna gave an overview of a recent DUI conference and updates from the DUI Task Force. A number of
stakeholders in town, along with MSU prevention staff,feel it would be useful to compare arrest rates
between MSU students and the rest of the community population. MSU DUI offenders had been specifically
identified in the past, but this has not been consistently done (due to staffing limitations).
• Jenny mentioned the second CAC priority: loud and disruptive parties. CAC efforts are expected to include
this issue after actions to address over-service have been identified.
• Jenny also mentioned the possibility of changing the CAC bylaws to include members who are interested in
participation,versus being confined to the positions established when the CAC was formed.The current
structure has only limited membership, although the meetings are open to the public.
• The group discussed the Gallatin Fairgound dances as an ongoing problem.These have been discussed by the
CAC in the past.The fairgrounds are country property, but both BPD and the Sherriff's Department oversee
security.
Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Next meeting will be November 1, 2011.